Posts by Mark Rachal

How events in Venezuela affect US crude supply Posted on 13 Jan 2026 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal explores how the U.S. military's recent actions in Venezuela could impact U.S. crude oil supply. Read more»

Propane inventory build is a shocker Posted on 06 Jan 2026 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal makes sense of the surprise build in propane inventories from the end of 2025. Read more»

Reflecting on the past year of propane Posted on 30 Dec 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal looks back at how propane has behaved this year. Read more»

Dip in US propane production not a concern Posted on 23 Dec 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications at Cost Management Solutions, explains why he is not concerned about the dip in U.S. propane production. Read more»

US natural gas prices at 3-year high Posted on 09 Dec 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal explores the relationship between the current high natural gas prices and propane prices. Read more»

Calling on propane inventories Posted on 02 Dec 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal discusses the current call on propane inventories heading into the winter. Read more»

How distillates impact propane retail operations Posted on 24 Nov 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal explains how distillate prices can impact propane retailers. Read more»

Have we reached peak propane inventories? Posted on 18 Nov 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Mark Rachal examines the recent Energy Information Administration propane inventory report. Read more»

No dip in propane prices this December? Posted on 10 Nov 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal explores the possibility that the annual December propane price dip might not occur this year. Read more»

Supports spark rally in crude prices Posted on 28 Oct 2025 in the Blue Flame Blog & Featured categories.

Since Oct. 20, crude prices have surged higher, and several developments are behind the increase, writes Mark Rachal of Cost Management Solutions. Read more»