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Feature Articles

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

  • China Imposes 25% Tariffs On U.S. Oil-Product Exports

    On Aug. 23 China implemented tariffs on a second tranche of U.S. goods, targeting oil products such as propane and butane, and coal for the first time, in retaliation to U.S. tariffs effective the same day and paving the way for crude oil and LNG to be hit next, reports S&P Global Platts. Energy commodities including propane, butane, naphtha, jet fuel, and coal are on the second list of $16 billion worth of U.S. products that attract 25% additional tariffs from Aug. 23, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce. The latest tariffs came in the midst of trade talks between the U.S. and China in Washington, but market participants did not expect talks to yield any firm outcomes to ease tensions. “Marketers have been under…
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  • Inevitable Winter Surprises Necessitate Proper Supply Planning, Preparations

    By John Powell… Winter is the season of surprises, and in the propane business those unexpected cold blasts or heat waves, along with sudden turns in the market, can create opportunities—or headaches. Looking ahead to the winter of 2018-2019, the one sure thing is that we will again face surprises. Now is a good time for marketers to evaluate their yearly supply plan and make last-minute adjustments for this winter. Planning ahead is the way to minimize risk and capture good cash flows, even amid surprises. Lessons from Last Winter After two mild winters, the early weeks of 2018 socked the Upper Midwest, Northeast, and even Southern states with frigid temperatures. The nation had a polar vortex, two-foot snows, and a string of nor’easters and…
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  • Missouri Funding Opportunity: Up To $24,000/Unit To Replace Diesel Buses

    LAST CHANCE: The deadline for districts and school transportation providers to apply is Friday, September 14, 2018. The State of Missouri is requesting applications from schools and school fleet operators to replace old diesel buses. This funding opportunity is open to public and private schools and school districts and for-profit operators of school bus fleets, providing up to $22,000 for each vehicle replaced. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which administers the program, anticipates 70-75 bus replacements statewide through this one-year cycle. Applicants may apply for funding for up to 3 buses if replacing diesel with diesel; however, funding is available for up to 10 buses when replacing diesel vehicles with cleaner alternative fuels such as propane autogas. Districts that use biodiesel blends are also…
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  • Technological Innovation Showcased at 31st World LPG Conference

    The Global Technology Conference (GTC), which is organized by the World LPG Association (WLPGA) every year, is the opportunity for companies, research institutes, educational establishments, and individuals to showcase the latest technological innovation impacting on the global LPG industry. The GTC is held during the WLPGA World Forum, which this year will be in Houston, during the first week of October. Planning for GTC starts in November each year with the “call for abstracts.” For GTC 2018, 21 abstracts were submitted to the selection committee from nine different countries. The GTC selection committee chose 12 papers (there will be a joint presentation of two similar papers) for presenting during GTC in Houston, which will be held over two sessions (broadly split between operations and applications)…
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  • European LPG Association (AEGPL) Rebrands To Liquid Gas Europe

    (September 7, 2018) — The European LPG Association announced the launch of a new name and visual identity brand at a recent gathering in Brussels, Belgium. The European LPG Association, known as AEGPL, has rebranded to its new name, Liquid Gas Europe. The change of name, logo and visual identity was announced at a cocktail party that was attended by members of Liquid Gas Eurpoe and included several representatives of the LPG industry. The Association is also celebrating its 50th Anniversary, having been created in 1968. Since then, the Association has moved from its original headquarters in Paris to Brussels where it currently offices a staff of seven. At the event, Liquid Gas Europe’s President, Francesco Franchi, spoke briefly about the history of the Liquid…
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  • Ray Murray Inc. Acquires Whippany, N.J. Hearth/Outdoor Product Distributor

    (September 6, 2018) — Ray Murray Inc. (RMI; Lee, Mass.) said Aug. 22 it had concluded an asset purchase of MASDA Corp., a leading hearth and outdoor products distributor based in Whippany, N.J. Details regarding the transaction were not released. RMI notes the addition of MASDA strengthens its position in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic and makes it one of the largest wholesale distributors of hearth and grill equipment in the U.S. RMI has more than 80 employees, including field sales professionals across the eastern half of the U.S. The company also maintains strategic distribution facilities in Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. “This acquisition combines two prominent and well-respected distributors of hearth and grill productions,” said Michael Hopsicker, RMI president and CEO. “It will provide…
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  • Home Show Promotes Propane Appliances to Builders, Consumers

    It’s not easy to talk with builders, contractors, and architects when they are busy at a jobsite, so vendors in the business of selling products and services to these professionals invite them to mix and mingle, learn, and view new products at a nearby trade show and education event. Homeowners, too, present a challenge to vendors. Many homeowners are not aware of all the home improvement products that are available to them. So, the vendors invite members of the public, too, to attend the event and enjoy a day of viewing exhibits and product demonstrations. Reaching those two audiences was the goal of the first South Georgia Home Showcase, which was held February 12-13 at the University of Georgia (UGA) Tifton Campus Conference Center in…
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  • PERC’s ‘Can-Do’ Conference Highlights What Marketers Can Do to Sell Propane

    The phrase “Propane Can Do That” is evolving from use by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) solely in the agriculture market space to all areas of propane applications. In the meantime, the concept of “Can-Do” is also being applied to what propane can do, as well as what propane marketers can do to sell prospective users on the benefits propane has to offer. As PERC is advancing from a mass-marketing strategy to a digital marketing strategy with different messages based on regional dynamics, Tucker Perkins, PERC president and CEO, observed through his interaction with retail propane marketers their diverse needs at the company level. “PERC is providing many tools and we also need to make sure retail marketers know how to use the…
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  • NPGA: Unvented Heaters Will Continue to Be Available

    In an update on efforts regarding securing favorability for unvented heaters in U.S. construction codes, the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) reports the appliances will continue to be relied upon by propane customers as a safe and reliable means for space heating. The association explains that every three years the International Code Council (ICC) develops a new edition of the most widely used model construction codes in the U.S. and, like clockwork, the fuel gas industry is faced with yet another challenge to the continued use of unvented room heaters. The ongoing cycle has proved no exception, since the same individual who has submitted proposals to bar the appliances being installed in residential occupancies in the past has done so again, based on his contention…
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  • Year-Round Benefits From World LPG Association Membership

    In addition to organizing the annual World LPG Forum, the World LPG Association (WLPGA) offers a number of other activities and resources that are available to propane professionals and consumers year-round. Headquartered in France, the WLPGA has the primary goal of adding value to the global LPG industry by driving premium demand for LPG, while also promoting compliance to good business and safety practices. The group’s activities include global outreach and advocacy; technology exchange; good practices; market development, outreach, and promotion; and member services. Member benefits include unique global networking opportunities; possible assistance with specific lobbying actions; privileged access to industry intelligence; access to dedicated network groups run by WLPGA; and preferential rates to attend and/or exhibit at the World LPG Forum and other industry…
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  • Early Corn Harvest May Lower Crop Drying Demand

    An early harvest could result in lower crop drying demand for propane this year, market sources tell S&P Global Platts, since this year’s U.S. corn crop appears to be ahead of schedule. “In our draw area [south of the U.S. Corn Belt], corn is ahead of last year and will be harvested earlier than normal,” an agriculture market source said. “Dryers will not use much gas this year as the corn should dry down on its own.” Propane is used as a drying fuel during the fall harvest season, which has typically been the start of the propane demand season. The consultancy notes that the corn crop tends to lose 2% of its moisture content per day in September and 1% per day in October…
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  • Energy Distribution Partners Acquires Carolina Propane in Orangeburg, SC

    (August 30, 2018) — Energy Distribution Partners (“EDP”), based in Chicago, Illinois, has acquired Carolina Propane Gas Corporation of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Carolina Propane was established by the Watford family in 1994 and has served residential, commercial and agricultural customers for nearly 25 years. Several members of the Watford family had deep propane experience prior to launching Carolina Propane, and started the company with a commitment to offering superior service at fair prices to residents in Orangeburg and the surrounding area. The company’s main headquarters is in Orangeburg and its second location is in St. Matthews. Carolina Propane was founded by Tommy and Allen Watford. According to Tommy Watford, “Allen and I agreed that it was time to retire, but we wanted to ensure that…
    Read More →: Energy Distribution Partners Acquires Carolina Propane in Orangeburg, SC

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