Propane continues to flow downstream from big tanks to smaller tanks as it has throughout the history of the commercialized industry. But as propane retailers go about their daily routines of moving fuel from one place to the next, the dynamics of the industry are changing. Supply is as plentiful as ever, having surpassed the 104-million-barrel mark well after fall’s... read more
CHS Inc. re-elected five farmers to three-year terms as directors of the farmer-owned cooperative and global energy company at its annual meeting in Minneapolis. According to the company, CHS directors must be full-time farmers or ranchers to be eligible for election to its 17-member board. The following people were re-elected as directors: Don Anthony of Lexington, Neb. David Bielenberg of... read more
Research and Markets, a global research firm, released a report titled “Global Refined Petroleum Product Market to 2019 – Market Size, Growth, and Forecasts in 60 Countries.” A description of the study can be found online. The report lists the total market size for refined petroleum products, including propane and other LP gases. It gives readers critical perspectives to evaluate the world... read more
Leanness is not just a goal for athletes and personal trainers; it is a metaphor for the propane delivery business of today, strengthened by technology and streamlined by increased efficiency. This makes it – that family-run company founded several generations ago – a model of operational achievement, enhanced productivity and even more so a new level of marketing hence sales... read more
Phillips 66 began operations at its 100,000-barrels-per-day (bpd) natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionator, located at the company’s Sweeny Complex in Old Ocean, Texas. According to Phillips 66, Sweeny Fractionator One supplies purity ethane and LP gas to the petrochemical industry and heating markets. About 250 miles of new pipelines and a multimillion-barrel storage cavern complex support the facility. “The startup... read more
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed Nov. 30-Dec. 4 as Texas Propane School Bus Week because of the vital role propane autogas has in powering thousands of school buses in Texas. Abbott and others honored nine propane autogas school bus visionaries at a ceremony at the Texas Education Agency in Austin, Texas, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the initial meeting... read more
The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), along with the Tulsa Area Clean Cities, plans to launch three alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) first responder safety training classes Dec. 8 at Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Okla. According to NAFTC, firefighters, emergency medical services and law enforcement officers will be trained in the three courses on techniques to safely respond to... read more
The Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Weekly Petroleum Status Report tracks the rise and fall of U.S. propane inventory. Propane retailers probably watch inventory levels closer than any other data point in determining their supply management strategies. It would probably be safe to say that inventory level sets the tone for propane supply management in our industry. However, the other data... read more
From where I sit, the winter of 2015-16 is going to be mild, and we have enough propane in storage in spite of strong exports this year. But, what is “mild,” who is “we” and do we really have “enough” propane to meet our customers’ needs? Those answers matter greatly to an industry that’s been whipsawed these past two years... read more
Attendees at the 2015 LP Gas Growth Summit, including Brian Powers of Indiantown Gas; Terry Fisher of South Florida Gas; and Brandon Hewett of J&J Gas Service, share what they believe are the most effective ways for the industry to grow gallons. read more
