Canton, Mass. (Sept. 1, 2025) — Gray, Gray & Gray LLP, an independent consulting, accounting and business advisory firm for the propane industry, has released the results of the firm’s 2025 Propane Industry Survey. The survey has served as an important benchmark for propane and fuel oil marketers throughout the U.S. since its inception.
The 2025 Propane Survey results are based on reported operational and financial data for the heating season spanning from April 2024 through March 2025. This year’s survey once again featured additional operational insights from Angus Energy, a data analytics solutions provider for the industry.
“This past winter was an especially cold and lengthy one, yet the majority of propane dealers rose to the occasion with remarkable preparedness and resilience,” said Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA, the partner leading Gray, Gray & Gray’s Energy Practice Group. “It was as if the industry had been bracing itself, ready to face the storm after several years of mild winters.” Kirshner noted that a renewed sense of stability is beginning to emerge in the energy market, fueling optimism for the road ahead.
“Still, the industry faces a formidable challenge: the ongoing battle to find, train and retain skilled employees, which is a hurdle that could potentially slow growth and expansion. But this year’s survey results reveal a sector that refuses to stand still. From bold investments in employee retention programs to a rising interest in artificial intelligence, dealers are proving their adaptability and determination to secure their future,” says Kirshner.
Key Highlights From the 2025 Propane Industry Survey:
- The biggest challenges faced by dealers still center around employees: The No. 1 concern is employee recruitment and retention. This is followed by seeking improvements in efficiency and strategic planning/succession planning.
- Dealers are spending money to keep the employees they do have. Fifty-four percent report offering higher wages this year to retain staff, and 10% offered employee bonuses.
- The level of optimism for the propane industry's future continues to rise. Eighty-eight percent of respondents report they are “highly confident” or “confident” their company will remain a viable provider in the future. This proves out, as 39% report they are planning an acquisition in 2025, while only 9% plan to sell their business.
- While everyone may be talking about artificial intelligence (AI), not many dealers are taking action. Only 19% say they have invested in AI — but 31% report they are planning to do so within the next year.
Complete results of Gray, Gray & Gray’s 2025 Propane Industry Survey are available at gggllp.com or by calling 781-407-0300.
