Posts by Mark Rachal

Year-end data sheds light on supply and demand trends Posted on 19 Jan 2022 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

EIA data shows that propane demand exceeded supply, resulting in a 10-million-barrel draw in propane inventory. That helped support higher propane prices. Read more»

Where propane prices will start next winter Posted on 10 Jan 2022 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal expands an analysis of historical market trends to determine guidance on where propane prices might start during next winter. Read more»

What propane prices will do for the remainder of winter Posted on 03 Jan 2022 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal of Cost Management Solutions provides pricing data to help propane retailers strategize for the rest of winter. Read more»

Propane exports rise: What that means for demand, pricing Posted on 28 Dec 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

This week’s data suggests export reporting got back on track, but we still need to monitor for the possibility of an increase in overall demand. Read more»

Propane exports drop: What to expect next Posted on 21 Dec 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

For the week ending Dec. 10, U.S. propane exports dropped to 847,000 barrels per day (bpd) – 509,000 bpd less than the same week last year. Read more»

The story of winter so far: No winter Posted on 07 Dec 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

In this week's Trader’s Corner, Mark Rachal, with Cost Management Solutions, shares a heating season update for propane marketers. Read more»

Omicron variant resets oil and gas markets Posted on 02 Dec 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog & COVID-19 categories.

In this week's Trader’s Corner, Mark Rachal, with Cost Management Solutions, discusses how the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has impacted propane prices. Read more»

Major propane price correction continues Posted on 23 Nov 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Propane markets are in the midst of a major price correction of around 25 percent and counting, which is very significant. Read more»

Mild start to heating season shrinks inventory deficit Posted on 09 Nov 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications for Cost Management Solutions, discusses the propane inventory deficit and the mild start to heating season. Read more»

Pullback in propane prices may indicate buying opportunity Posted on 02 Nov 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Propane buyers and consumers should recognize how quickly the pricing environment could change should winter heating demand finally arrive. Read more»