Posts by Mark Rachal

Demand, inventory fluctuations lead to big price swing Posted on 26 Jan 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Since last week’s Trader’s Corner, there was a dramatic change in U.S. propane prices. The change began after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. Read more»

Protecting margins when propane prices rise rapidly Posted on 20 Jan 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

The quick gains in propane prices like those experienced this past week can have an immediate impact on a retail company’s bottom line. Read more»

Fundamentals point to higher propane prices this winter Posted on 12 Jan 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

As long as export demand remains strong, there is likely to be continued pressure on inventory and thus support for propane prices. Read more»

Big draw on propane inventory keeps market bullish Posted on 04 Jan 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Propane inventories are still more than adequate, but the focus is on the trends. How will these trends change in 2021? Read more»

Propane prices on a rally this winter Posted on 28 Dec 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Despite ample inventories, U.S. propane prices have appreciated markedly this winter, with most of the gain coming in the last few weeks. Read more»

Canadian propane producers slow exports to US Posted on 07 Dec 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

It has been a curious year to watch the build in Canadian propane inventory. Mark Rachal offers a look at why producers are slowing exports to the U.S. Read more»

Winter is coming: A look at propane inventory going into peak demand season Posted on 30 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal of Cost Management Solutions takes a close look at propane inventory trends ahead of peak demand season. Read more»

Back to the benchmarks: The latest in crude, propane pricing Posted on 23 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Those of you who are regular readers of Trader’s Corner will remember that we set benchmarks on crude and propane early this year. We discussed in several Trader’s Corners the... Read more»

Understanding the separation between crude and propane Posted on 16 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Normally, there is a fairly close correlation between the price direction of propane and crude, but sometimes they can separate. As a propane buyer, it isn’t a bad idea to... Read more»

Potential impacts of Biden presidency on propane Posted on 09 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

President-elect Joe Biden's outlook on energy is considerably different than outgoing President Donald Trump's. Mark Rachal explains how. Read more»