Gray, Gray & Gray releases 2026 Propane Industry Survey results

Gray, Gray & Gray, a Frazier & Deeter company, released the results of its annual Propane Industry Survey. The consulting, accounting and business advisory firm serves propane companies nationwide, and the survey is intended as a benchmark for propane marketers across the United States.

The 2026 survey covers operational and financial data for the heating season that ran from April 2025 through March 2026. This year’s edition included additional operational data from Angus Energy, a data analytics firm, and the Propane Education & Research Council. It was presented in partnership with Warm Thoughts Communications, a marketing firm serving the residential propane, heating oil and HVAC industries.

“Although disruption in product supply from the ongoing conflict with Iran created uncertainty in the market toward the end of the season, most heating oil and propane dealers emerged intact,” says Marty Kirshner, a partner who leads the firm’s energy practice group. “The challenge now will be planning effectively for the coming season.”

The survey found that use of artificial intelligence (AI) among propane dealers has grown significantly over the past year. Sixty-five percent of respondents said they have incorporated AI into their business operations, up from 46 percent in 2025. Recruiting and retaining personnel remains a challenge, with nearly half of dealers (47 percent) reporting between one and five open positions.

The survey also found that 65 percent of respondents have a formal marketing budget, though 40 percent of companies spend less than 2 percent of gross revenue on marketing. Despite challenges facing the industry, only 1 percent of dealers reported a decline in profitability, while 66 percent said they increased their per-gallon profit margin.

Complete results of the 2026 Propane Industry Survey, including a regional breakdown, are available at frazierdeeter.com or can be obtained by calling 781-407-0300.