Tag: Propane Article

Power Outage Safety Comes Into Focus After Recent Propane Incidents

Explosions Following Electrical Interruptions Highlight the Importance of Customer Education Power outages are often viewed as an inconvenience, but recent incidents in multiple states are serving as a stark reminder that the restoration process can introduce serious safety risks when propane systems are involved. Investigations into separate explosions in Texas and Pennsylvania have drawn attention… Continue reading Power Outage Safety Comes Into Focus After Recent Propane Incidents

ACE Driver Training Program Earns Federal Validation, Raising the Bar for Propane Fleet Safety

FMCSA audit confirms NPGA curriculum meets federal training standards for hazardous materials drivers. Safety training has always been one of the propane industry’s most important investments. Now, that commitment has received a significant endorsement from federal regulators. The National Propane Gas Association’s ACE (Advanced Commercial Education) driver training program has successfully passed an audit conducted… Continue reading ACE Driver Training Program Earns Federal Validation, Raising the Bar for Propane Fleet Safety

NFPA 58 Inspection Changes Could Raise Costs for Propane Fleets as Early as 2027

New proposed revisions to NFPA 58 are expected to significantly change how propane companies manage ASME tank inspections – particularly for older residential tank fleets. For many small and mid-sized propane marketers, the impact could show up quickly in both compliance workload and operating costs. A Major Shift in Tank Inspection Requirements Under the proposed… Continue reading NFPA 58 Inspection Changes Could Raise Costs for Propane Fleets as Early as 2027

OSHA Charges New Mexico Firm for Wrongful Firing of Pipeline Inspector

Termination of safety‑concerned employee underscores need for stronger whistleblower protections in propane and gas infrastructure projects The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ordered a New Mexico‑based construction company to reinstate and compensate an inspector it fired after he raised safety concerns during a gas pipeline installation at an Oklahoma… Continue reading OSHA Charges New Mexico Firm for Wrongful Firing of Pipeline Inspector

Propane Industry Demands Clear Rules for Electric Hazmat Trucks

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is evaluating the safety of electric trucks hauling hazardous materials. In response, the Minnesota Propane Association (MPA) is actively highlighting critical ‘regulatory gaps’ that could compromise safety and create an uneven playing field. This proactive engagement by the propane industry aims to ensure that safety standards evolve… Continue reading Propane Industry Demands Clear Rules for Electric Hazmat Trucks

Today in Propane

LP Gas Magazine revisits Ryan McPherson, the 2022 Rising Leader who now serves as district manager for Pico Propane and Fuels. McPherson shares how he leverages data‑driven routing and crew safety tools to keep his territory profitable, noting that “the biggest margin driver this year is minimizing truck idle time.” His insights underline the growing importance of… Continue reading Today in Propane

Propane Industry M&A Wave Gains Speed as Buyers Hunt for Scale and Stability

Mergers and acquisitions are accelerating across the propane industry, reshaping competition for distributors, retailers, and family-owned operators nationwide. Over the past year, propane companies of every size have entered acquisition talks as rising operating costs, succession concerns, and demand for operational efficiency push more owners to consider strategic partnerships or outright sales. Industry analysts say… Continue reading Propane Industry M&A Wave Gains Speed as Buyers Hunt for Scale and Stability

Sturgis, South Dakota: Propane Tanks Explode During Pole Barn Fire

On the afternoon of May 13, 2026, the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department responded to a pole barn fire in the Black Hills region of western South Dakota. Crews arriving on scene found the structure actively burning. During firefighting operations, propane tanks stored at or near the structure reached ignition conditions and exploded, producing visible flame… Continue reading Sturgis, South Dakota: Propane Tanks Explode During Pole Barn Fire

Food Truck Safety Requirements Create New Opportunities for Propane Providers

As food trucks continue to expand across cities, suburbs, festivals, and special events, safety requirements surrounding propane use are receiving increased attention from regulators and local officials. For propane providers, this shift represents more than a compliance issue – it presents an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and expand service offerings. Food trucks rely heavily… Continue reading Food Truck Safety Requirements Create New Opportunities for Propane Providers

Phillips 66 Expansion Signals Stronger Propane Supply Outlook for Distributors

New Processing Capacity Could Improve Market Stability for Propane Businesses Propane retailers have spent the past several years navigating supply uncertainty, transportation bottlenecks, and unpredictable seasonal demand. Now, a major infrastructure investment by Phillips 66 could help strengthen the supply chain and improve market flexibility for years to come. The company recently announced plans to… Continue reading Phillips 66 Expansion Signals Stronger Propane Supply Outlook for Distributors

Propane Transport Companies Honored with 2025 Pinnacle Award

Union Pacific Recognizes 138 Firms for Zero‑Release Rail Safety Excellence Union Pacific Railroad recently announced the recipients of its 2025 Pinnacle Award, a distinction reserved for companies that demonstrate “zero‑release” performance in hazardous‑material rail transport. Among the 138 honored firms, several propane distributors and logistics providers were highlighted for their rigorous safety protocols, advanced tracking… Continue reading Propane Transport Companies Honored with 2025 Pinnacle Award

Rinnai Expands U.S. Manufacturing as Demand Grows for Propane-Ready Appliances

Rinnai America is making a major investment in domestic manufacturing with the opening of a new 306,000-square-foot facility in Griffin, Georgia – a move that could strengthen propane appliance supply chains and improve product availability for distributors across the U.S. The expansion reflects growing demand for propane-compatible heating and water-heating systems, particularly as homeowners and… Continue reading Rinnai Expands U.S. Manufacturing as Demand Grows for Propane-Ready Appliances

Bergquist Delves Into Portable Propane Power with Evergreen Partnership

Midwest propane distributor Bergquist is expanding beyond fuel delivery and into mobile energy solutions through a new partnership with Evergreen Mobile Power. The company announced that it is now an authorized distributor for Evergreen’s line of propane-powered portable generators and mobile power systems, a move that reflects growing demand for cleaner and more flexible backup… Continue reading Bergquist Delves Into Portable Propane Power with Evergreen Partnership

Michigan’s Propane Policy Win Signals a Bigger Fight Happening State by State

Why New Energy Legislation Could Shape the Future of Small Propane Businesses The propane industry is entering a new phase of political and regulatory change – and much of the battle is happening at the state level. In Michigan, lawmakers recently passed House Bill 4486, a move widely viewed by industry groups as a major… Continue reading Michigan’s Propane Policy Win Signals a Bigger Fight Happening State by State

Propane Prices Could Ease Through 2026 as Inventories Climb, EIA Says

High Storage Levels May Create Rare Buying Opportunity for Propane Retailers The U.S. propane market may be headed into an unusually stable pricing period, according to the latest outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). New projections show propane inventories are expected to remain above the five-year average through late 2026, potentially putting downward… Continue reading Propane Prices Could Ease Through 2026 as Inventories Climb, EIA Says

Three States Move to Expand Propane Tank Setbacks Near Schools, Raising Industry Alarms

Proposed legislation in New York, California, and Illinois is drawing sharp attention from the propane industry after lawmakers introduced nearly identical bills that would significantly expand required setback distances for propane storage tanks located near schools and daycare facilities. The proposals would increase minimum setback requirements from 25 feet to 75 feet in qualifying areas,… Continue reading Three States Move to Expand Propane Tank Setbacks Near Schools, Raising Industry Alarms

Propane Gains Ground in New Construction Projects Across the Mid-Atlantic

Builders and developers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware are increasingly turning to propane as the preferred energy source for new residential and mixed-use developments. According to GasTec Online, the shift is being driven by lower infrastructure costs, high-efficiency equipment, and propane’s ability to provide reliable heating during grid outages. For many suburban and… Continue reading Propane Gains Ground in New Construction Projects Across the Mid-Atlantic

Regulatory Shift Gives Propane Industry New Momentum

Federal Refrigerant Rollback and State-Level Policy Wins Could Create a More Stable Business Climate for Propane Companies A series of recent policy changes at both the federal and state levels is signaling a meaningful shift for the propane industry. For propane retailers, delivery operators, and equipment suppliers, the message is becoming clearer: regulators are placing… Continue reading Regulatory Shift Gives Propane Industry New Momentum

Summer Fuel Crunch Could Create New Challenges for Propane Delivery Companies

Rising Travel Demand Is Tightening Fuel Markets Across the U.S. As Americans prepare for one of the busiest summer travel seasons in years, energy analysts are warning that rising gasoline and diesel demand could put pressure on fuel supply chains nationwide. Higher fuel prices, strained trucking networks, and increased transportation demand are already creating concern… Continue reading Summer Fuel Crunch Could Create New Challenges for Propane Delivery Companies

NFPA 2026 Code Changes Push Propane Companies Toward Digital Safety Systems

New Compliance Expectations Are Raising the Bar for Propane Operators The propane industry is entering a new era of compliance as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rolls out updates to its 2026 safety codes. While many revisions focus on documentation, inspection procedures, and reporting standards, the broader message is clear: paper-based systems are becoming… Continue reading NFPA 2026 Code Changes Push Propane Companies Toward Digital Safety Systems

Multi-Fuel Fleets Are Rising – and Propane Is Emerging as a Practical Choice

Fleet operators across the United States are increasingly moving away from one-size-fits-all fuel strategies. According to the newly released State of Sustainable Fleets 2026 report, companies are diversifying vehicle fleets across propane, natural gas, and renewable fuels as they respond to changing regulations, economic pressure, and evolving sustainability goals. For the propane industry, the trend… Continue reading Multi-Fuel Fleets Are Rising – and Propane Is Emerging as a Practical Choice

PERC Expands Autogas Training Program to Help Solve Technician Shortage

The propane industry’s workforce challenge is getting new attention as the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) expands its Propane Autogas Vehicle Inspection Grant Program to nine additional technical schools across the country. The initiative is designed to strengthen hands-on training for propane autogas technicians at a time when fleets are increasingly adopting propane-powered vehicles… Continue reading PERC Expands Autogas Training Program to Help Solve Technician Shortage

Much-Needed Propane Inventory Growth

U.S. propane inventories are finally showing meaningful recovery, easing some of the supply pressure that challenged marketers over the past year. According to industry experts, national propane stockpiles climbed by roughly 1.2 million gallons over the last month, bringing total inventories to 11.4 million gallons – the highest level seen since early 2024. The increase… Continue reading Much-Needed Propane Inventory Growth

PERC Launches “Your Power Play” Campaign to Promote Propane Reliability

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) officially launched its new “Your Power Play” campaign on May 20, positioning propane as a dependable backup energy source as concerns about grid reliability continue to grow across the U.S. The campaign arrives amid increasing strain on electric infrastructure driven by extreme weather, rising power demand, wildfire-related shutoffs,… Continue reading PERC Launches “Your Power Play” Campaign to Promote Propane Reliability

Digital Gauges Become Standard at Manchester Tank

Manchester Tank & Equipment Co., headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, announced that beginning this summer, all new 420-pound and horizontal propane tanks leaving its facilities will come equipped with Rotarex digital pressure gauges as standard equipment. The rollout marks a significant step toward broader digitization across propane storage and field operations. The new gauges replace traditional… Continue reading Digital Gauges Become Standard at Manchester Tank

Industry Leaders Speak Out on Mental Health in Propane Workplaces

Senior executives across the propane sector are increasingly addressing mental health as a core workplace issue, sharing personal experiences with anxiety, burnout, and depression in a recent LP Gas editorial. Their accounts highlight how mental strain in high-pressure operational environments can directly affect both safety performance and day-to-day decision-making. One veteran manager described recognizing that… Continue reading Industry Leaders Speak Out on Mental Health in Propane Workplaces

U.S. LPG Exports Hit Record Highs as Global Demand Reshapes Domestic Pricing

The Record-Breaking Export Surge The United States solidified its position as the world’s leading exporter of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), with 2025 shipments reaching all-time highs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, combined propane and butane exports exceeded 2.2 billion MMBtu, marking a structural shift in global energy flows. Year Propane Exports (MMBtu) Butane… Continue reading U.S. LPG Exports Hit Record Highs as Global Demand Reshapes Domestic Pricing

Propane Industry M&A Wave Gains Speed as Buyers Hunt for Scale and Stability

Mergers and acquisitions are accelerating across the propane industry, reshaping competition for distributors, retailers, and family-owned operators nationwide. Over the past year, propane companies of every size have entered acquisition talks as rising operating costs, succession concerns, and demand for operational efficiency push more owners to consider strategic partnerships or outright sales. Industry analysts say… Continue reading Propane Industry M&A Wave Gains Speed as Buyers Hunt for Scale and Stability