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Feature Articles

In-depth feature stories examining the trends, challenges and innovations shaping the propane and LPG industry.

  • Eastern Propane & Oil Fuels Growth in Wolfeboro New Hampshire

    (Wolfeboro, NH) January 9, 2020 — Eastern Propane & Oil, family owned and operated since 1932, continues to grow with the recent acquisition of Wolfeboro Oil Company in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. “Over the last six decades, the Bean family has built a successful business based on exceptional customer service. We are honored they have chosen Eastern to continue to serve their customers. Like Eastern, Wolfeboro Oil is a company that values being a part of, and giving back to, the communities it serves. We look forward to continuing that commitment to community involvement. We are pleased to welcome the Wolfeboro Oil family to Eastern,” said Tom Manson, CEO of Eastern Propane & Oil. For 87-years, Eastern has worked to ensure that its customers’ fuel and…
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  • Midwest Propane Tight Heading To Peak Winter Demand Months

    (January 7, 2020) — The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reviews that propane inventories in the U.S. Midwest totaled 20 MMbbl as of Dec. 13, a total 4.7 MMbbl, or 19%, below the previous five-year average. The agency notes that lower-than-average stocks were driven by both higher consumption and lower supply. A late and wet corn harvest in the region resulted in increased agricultural propane demand while supply was lower because of disruptions to rail shipments from Canada. The situation is similar to the events of winter 2013-2014 when extremely tight propane supplies in the Heartland led to record spot and retail prices. In the Midwest, or Petroleum Administration for Defense District (PADD) 2, propane is used for both agriculture and heating homes and businesses. Regional…
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  • Sulfur Limits Signal Sea Change And Potential Growth for LPG-fueled Vessels

    (December 30, 2019) — Strict requirements for ships to significantly cut sulfur oxide emissions snap into effect Jan. 1, 2020, marking a sea change for the global fuel used to power oceangoing vessels. A new International Maritime Organization (IMO) rule will significantly reduce air pollution to the benefit of human health and the environment, but the change also represents a challenge for the industry. Under the updated cap ratified by IMO, the United Nations’ standard-setting authority for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping, the sulfur content of fueloil used by ships operating outside designated emission control areas shall not exceed 0.5%, which represents an 80% cut from previous 3.5%. So, the adjustment means most ships will switch to new types of compliant…
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  • BPN Has Played Important Role In 50-Plus-Year Career

    Written By Daryl McClendon… Dear Natalie, Congratulations on the 80th anniversary of BPN! In the publishing field, that is quite an achievement. It is particularly impressive since the butane-propane gas mixture had only begun as a residential fuel approximately 25 years prior to 1939. Even then, the fuel didn’t really become well established until after World War II. So to have a publication that is devoted exclusively to the propane gas industry that dates back to 1939 is truly amazing. I am reminded that Bill Clark took over ownership of BPN in 1969—50 years ago! I find that significant since I began my career in the propane industry just one year earlier, in 1968. Like BPN’s roots, I also started my career on the West…
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  • Westmor Industries Unveils New Website Built With Users In Mind

    Morris, Minn. (December 27, 2019) — Westmor Industries, LLC ., one of North America’s most comprehensive energy storage, transportation and dispensing equipment manufacturers and suppliers, launched a newly designed website this month at westmor-ind.com . Filled with more robust photos, customer stories, literature and product details, the new Westmor website improves the company’s ability to communicate a growing list of products and services. Built with the user in mind, the new site has an easy-to-navigate menu bar and a sleek mobile-friendly design. It also includes a stock inventory listing where customers can find a list of current, stock units. Westmor aims to stay on the cutting edge with technology in order to better serve its clients, and the new website is just one point on…
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  • NPGA Applauds Congressional Passage of Propane Alternative Fuel Tax Credits, R&D Appropriations

    Washington, DC (December 28, 2019) — Congress recenlty passed H.R. 1865, which will provide the propane industry with prospective tax certainty, as well as valuable research and development funding. National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) President and CEO Stephen Kaminski applauds the work of Congress on passing critical year-end legislation that supports small businesses and energy consumers across the country. “When Congress and the private sector work together, America wins,” Kaminski said. “This legislation will motivate consumers to make smart, green energy decisions, drive the development of modern technology using resilient energy sources such as propane, and promote the growth of small businesses.” H.R. 1865 includes an extension of the alternative fuel tax credit and the refueling property credit, covering the years 2018-2020. These credits incentivize…
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  • Propane Fuel-Ordering Apps Are Coming

    By Bill Stomp … The propane industry is a commodity delivery business. Sure, some propane companies deliver additional commodities such as oil, diesel, or lubes. However, we are primarily a commodity delivery industry. Did you know that Uber is in the commodity delivery industry too? It is, and it has some secrets that we in the propane delivery industry can exploit to improve profitability fast. But first, is Uber getting into the propane delivery industry? Not yet. So, let’s take a look at the Uber business and what commodity industries it is disrupting. Maybe this will give us a glimpse into when or if it will be entering our sphere and what we can do to prepare for the changes ahead. Now that Uber is…
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  • No Soft Enforcement Period For Dec. 17 Electronic LD Deadline

    (December 16, 2019) — Bulk Transporter reports that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is reminding all motor carriers and drivers subject to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) final rule states starting Dec. 17, 2019, they must use an Electronic Loggig Device (ELD) . The deadline also pertains to grandfathered automatic onboard recording devices, which will no longer be allowed under the FMCSA regulations to provide records of duty status as a substitute for a required electronic logging device. Motor carriers using automatic onboard recording devices must have fully operational ELDs installed by Dec. 17. According to FMCSA, there will be no extensions or exemptions made to the ELD rule deadline. In addition, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said inspectors…
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  • Suburban Propane Launches Brand Refresh

    (December 13, 2019) — Over the summer, visitors to Suburban Propane Partners’ websites and social media began seeing new messaging related to three themes: Suburban Commitment, SuburbanCares, and Go Green with Suburban Propane. These are the pillars of a brand refresh the company launched in June. “This brand refresh elevates the focus of Suburban Propane’s many strengths in serving our customers, our commitment to our employees and the communities we serve, and the sustainability of propane as a clean American energy source,” says Nandini Sankara, assistant vice president, marketing and brand strategy and spokesperson for Suburban Propane (Whippany, N.J.). “The refresh will highlight Suburban Propane’s use of advanced technology, our dedicated safety efforts, and the longevity and tenure of our dedicated employees and the associated…
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  • Bills Seek to Revive Alternative Fuel Tax Credit, Butane Blending Clouds Issue

    (December 13, 2019) — The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports that House Ways and Means Committee Democrats have introduced the Growing Renewable Energy and Efficiency Now (GREEN) Act. The legislation addresses climate change by using tax code incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The bill includes an extension of the lapsed 50 cent per gallon alternative fuels tax credit, which includes propane, retroactively for two years to cover 2018 and 2019 and forward for two years, 2020 and 2021, while providing a three-year “phasedown” for 2022 through 2024. The proposal would prospectively cut the credit to 38 cents per gallon, then 25 cents, and finally 17 cents. In addition, U.S. Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Texas) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) have introduced a standalone bill that…
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  • Bass Pro Recalls “MR. STEAK” Propane Gas Grills

    (December 11, 2019) — Bass Pro has announced a recall of its popular MR. STEAK propane gas grill because it poses a potential fire hazard. The recall involves its four- and five-burner models of MR. STEAK propane gas grills. The problem stems from the grill's fuel gauge and fuel line. Officials say the gas regulator hose with attached fuel gauge can melt if it comes into contact with the bottom of the grill’s firebox. Bass Pro has received nine reports of grill fires occurring due to the defect. No injuries or property damage have been reported. The recall involves model numbers: • MS-4B-PG, SKU 2472264 • MS-5B-PG, SKU 2472265 The grills are stainless steel with black trim and have four or five black and red…
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  • Showcasing Businesses To Elected Officials Yields Results

    (December 11, 2019) — When Koppy’s Propane (Williamstown, Pa.) invited representatives of two legislators and a regulatory agency to tour the company’s rail terminal, the event was interactive and hands-on. Questions about the propane industry were asked and answered throughout. In a highlight of the tour, several of the visitors climbed one of the rail towers to get a close-up look at how propane gets from the railcars to the tanks. “It was a great event; I wish I had done one sooner,” Kara Tucker, vice president at Koppy’s Propane, tells BPN. “The relationship building was extremely valuable. Just having someone’s email is great, but now we can also put a face to the name. Plus, we can say we met at the tour and…
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