Will There Be A Propane Shortage This Winter?

Above, getting the propane tank filled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since I heat my home with propane (along with using it in my RV), I am keeping tabs on the propane supply and price situation.

So far, I've had no problem in getting propane, although it has been priced higher (over $3.00).

RV Life has an article on the whether or not there will be a propane shortage.

They begin with:

With an extra cold winter on the horizon and rumors of a propane shortage, many people have started to worry that the U.S. might run out of fuel during the 2021 winter season. Millions of people use natural gas to heat their homes and RVs, so a propane shortage could be disastrous for families who are trying to keep warm this winter.

Propane prices are currently higher than they have been since 2014, and national stockpiles are being stretched thin due to high demand inside and outside the country. According to the U.S. Energy Administration, it’s projected that about half of the Americans who use natural gas to heat their homes will spend 30% more than in previous years.

However, it seems unlikely that the country will completely run out of propane during the winter, as the U.S. is one of the top producers and is capable of increasing production to prevent a major crisis. Supplies may be somewhat limited, and it’s likely that the prices will be higher in the winter of 2021. Homeowners and RVers who rely on propane should prepare for this situation and possibly consider switching to alternative energy methods that will be more sustainable.

To read more, go here.