F. M. Popovich & Sons, Inc. in Massachusetts Joins Paraco Gas
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Paraco Gas (Rye, N.Y.) completed the acquisition of F.M. Popovich & Sons Inc. (Ashland, Maine) on. Oct. 14, and marked the retirement of former owners, Fred and Hildegard Popovich. The Popovich family business, founded by Fred and Wilma Popovich in 1946, grew to serve approximately 850 propane customers. Paraco is also a family- owned and -operated business, and has been servicing Worcester County, Mass., since 2007.
F.W. Webb Becomes New Cavagna Distributor in North America
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Cavagna Group (Somerset, N.J.) has added F.W. Webb Co. (Bedford, Mass.) as its newest distributor in North America. F.W. Webb Co. is a family-owned and -operated distributor covering 16 disciplines including propane, natural gas, heating, plumbing, HVAC, and PVF (pipe, valves, and fittings). It has more than 85 locations throughout nine states in the Northeast.
PERC Adds New Autogas Offering
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Most members of the propane industry are aware of the benefits that propane autogas delivers, such as cost savings, operational advantages, and lower emissions. These benefits have been presented recently through the Propane Education & Research Council's (PERC) Let’s Talk webinar series, Autogas Refuel newsletter, and resources on propane.com.
Canadian Propane, Butane Inventories Remain Strong
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Canada’s primary underground propane inventories increased by 1.5% in October to start November at 2411.4 Mcm, the equivalent of 15.2 MMbbl, according to the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). The total represented a slight month-to-month gain of 35.0 Mcm.
November 2020 U.S. Rig Count Dips
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Nov. 20 U.S. rig count fell by two rigs to 310 over the week. Oil rigs were off by five to 231, gas rigs were up three to 76 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs continued unchanged at three.

The U.S. rig count was down 493 rigs from last year's count of 803. Oil rigs were down by 440, gas rigs were off by 53, and miscellaneous rigs were unchanged.

The U.S. offshore rig count decreased by one unit for a total of 12, and was 10 rigs less year-over-year.
Propane Inventories in Canada at Record High for Oct. 1
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) reports that underground inventories of specification propane in Canada reached a record high for Oct. 1, 2020, at 2.376 million cubic meters (Mcm), or 14.9 MMbbl. The largest inventory was in western Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan, which had 1.489 Mcm, or 9.4 MMbl, putting it 44% above the five-year average. Inventories in Ontario were 37% higher than the five-year average at 887,000 cu meters, or 5.6 MMbbl. Inventories in western Canada and Ontario were both considerably higher than inventories reported on Oct.
Action Taken to Shut Down Line 5 Through Straits of Mackinac
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director Dan Eichinger notified Enbridge Nov. 13 that the 1953 easement allowing it to operate dual pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac to transport petroleum and other products is being revoked and terminated. They also filed a lawsuit asking the Ingham County Circuit Court to recognize the validity of this action.
Manchester Tank to Increase Prices on Steel Product Families
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Manchester Tank (Franklin, Tenn.) Nov. 13 announced price increases of up to 8% on all of its major coil steel-based product families, including DOT steel propane cylinders, steel forklift cylinders, and air receiver vessels. Changes are effective with all new orders shipping on or after Dec. 15, 2020, or as contracts allow.
Record-High 20,000 Propane Autogas School Buses in Use
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
According to new figures from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), for the first time ever more than 20,000 propane autogas buses were at the ready in public and private school districts across the U.S. at the start of the 2020 school year. This is a 10% increase from 2019 vehicle numbers and it’s also the first full school year with propane autogas buses in use by more than 1000 school districts or contractors.
November 2020 U.S. Rig Count On The Rise
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
By mid-month, the Nov. 13 U.S. rig count rose by 12 rigs to 312 over the week. Oil rigs were up by 10 to 236, gas rigs added two to 73 rigs, and miscellaneous rigs continued unchanged at three.

The U.S. rig count is off 494 rigs from last year's count of 806. Oil rigs were down by 438, gas rigs were off by 56, and miscellaneous rigs were unchanged.
Florida Roadway Fleet Surpasses 1 Million Gallons of Propane Autogas
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Since 1961, Roy Jorgensen Associates has provided maintenance consultant services, facility maintenance operations, and roadway maintenance services throughout the U.S. One of the roadway programs Jorgensen oversees is the Road Ranger Service Patrol Fleet. The fleet provides incident management response services and limited no-cost highway assistance to motorists to improve highway safety for emergency responders and the motoring public.
OFS Sector Adds Jobs, But Faces Uncertain Outlook
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
America’s oilfield services and equipment (OFS) sector employment rose for a second consecutive month, adding 6430 jobs in October, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and analysis by the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association (PESA). The U.S. economy added 638,000 jobs in October, dropping the unemployment rate to 6.9%.
Mid-Month to Mid-Month: Belvieu Prices Inch Up, Group 140 is Static
Thursday, November 12, 2020
During the latest mid-month period, posted and spot prices at Mont Belvieu strengthened, while those at Group 140, Conway, Kan., have held a very narrow margin, basically reversing the play of the month prior. Over the month, Belvieu’s posted prices strengthened by 3.75 cents, and spots rose by a slightly less 3.375 cents. Conway’s posted prices shifted upward by a mere 0.40 cents, while spots were a modest 1.375 cents higher.
Platform Capital Acquires Six Propane Distribution Companies In Oklahoma
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Denver-based Platform Capital LLC has entered the propane distribution industry in a big way with its recent acquisitions of six independent propane distribution companies in Oklahoma. According to the company, the move comes as more consumers are buying propane for its economical, fuel efficient, eco-friendly traits and many family-owned propane storage and distribution companies are seeking a mutually beneficial exit strategy.
Chesapeake Utilities Subsidiary Buys Western Natural Gas
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Chesapeake Utilities Corp. (Dover, Del.) has confirmed that its propane subsidiary, Sharp Energy, has acquired Western Natural Gas Co. (Jacksonville, Fla.). The parties closed on this transaction on Oct. 26, and terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed.
Dead River Acquires 10th Company In 3 Years
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Cetane Associates LLC (Kent, Conn.) recently announced completion of the acquisition of the heating oil, propane, and service business of Fortier & Son Inc. (Somersworth, N.H.) by Dead River Co. (South Portland, Maine) on Oct. 27. Details of the acquisition were not revealed.
Meridian Finalizes Off-Take Agreement With Kiva Energy
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Meridian Energy Group Inc. (Belfield, N.D,), an innovator in the petroleum refining industry, confirmed Nov. 5 that it has entered into a long-term contractual agreement with Kiva Energy, a full service, wholesale provider of propane, with regard to all NGLs produced at the Davis Refinery.
November U.S. Rig Count On The Rise
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Moving into November 2020, the Nov. 6 U.S. rig count rose by four rigs to 300. Oil rigs were up by five to 226, gas rigs down one to 71, and miscellaneous rigs once again remained unchanged at three.

The U.S. rig count is down 517 rigs from last year's count of 817. Oil rigs decreased by 458, gas rigs were down by 59, and miscellaneous rigs were unchanged.
The U.S. offshore rig count declined by one to 12, and is off by 11 units year-over-year.