LP Gas timeline (2010-present): Revolutionary changes

LP Gas is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2021. To commemorate the milestone, LP Gas editors have combed through magazine archives from the past eight decades to create a timeline marking the industry’s history through our own pages. Here we present the 2010s through today. You can also access these decades: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

Photo: JamesReillyWilson/iStock/Getty Images

Shale revolution
In the early half of the decade, the shale boom drastically alters traditional market dynamics. As new production comes online, the U.S. becomes a net exporter of propane for the first time. Initial concerns about adequately supplying the domestic market amid growing export volumes give way to strong U.S. inventory builds and price stabilization.

Women in Propane (2012)
The National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) Women in Propane Council forms to support equal opportunities for women in the propane industry.

New journeys (2012)
Editor-in-Chief Pat Hyland resigns to join the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) and is succeeded by Brian Richesson. Hyland remains a member of LP Gas’ Editorial Advisory Board.

Photo: hbpstudio/iStock

A year to celebrate (2012)
As part of the industry’s centennial celebration, LP Gas inducts its first class into the LP Gas Hall of Fame: Mark Anton, John Blossman, James Ferrell, Sam McTier, Robert Myers, Walter Snelling, Milford Therrell, H. Emerson Thomas and John Wallace.

Digital revolution
From social media and video conferencing to tank monitors and routing software, technological capabilities abound. The industry pushes to adapt, gaining operational efficiencies and improved customer satisfaction in the process.

LP Gas Growth Summit (2015)
The inaugural LP Gas Growth Summit assembles a diverse group of industry members in Orlando, Florida, to uncover business solutions and promote gallon growth amid rapid changes to the U.S. energy environment.

Move to Music City (2016)
After the Southeastern Convention & International Propane Expo is held in Atlanta for more than 60 years, the NPGA moves the show to Nashville, Tennessee, for two years, drawing record attendance.

Photo by LP Gas staff

Changing of the guard
(2017) After 20 years of service, PERC’s first president and CEO, Roy Willis, steps down and is succeeded by industry veteran Tucker Perkins.
(2019) After 17 years, NPGA President and CEO Rick Roldan passes the torch to Steve Kaminski.

COVID-19 pandemic (2020)
Propane marketers jump into action when the COVID-19 pandemic strikes the U.S. in March. They supply fuel to heat outdoor testing sites in their local communities and keep families warm during widespread stay-at-home orders. Many industry meetings switch to virtual formats. The NPGA Propane Expo is canceled.

Featured image credits: Cover 1: Robertshaw Thermostat Co.; Cover 2: Impco Carburetion; Cover 4: Photos courtesy of LP Gas Hall of Fame inductees and their families, and background photo by Istockphoto.com/Herbert Bias; Cover 5: LP Gas staff; USGirl/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; balipadma/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; spawns/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; Logo/background: Olha Huro/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Social media image credits: Cover 1: Robertshaw Thermostat Co.; Cover 3: Impco Carburetion; Cover 5: Photos courtesy of LP Gas Hall of Fame inductees and their families, and background photo by Istockphoto.com/Herbert Bias; Cover 6: LP Gas staff; USGirl/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; balipadma/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; spawns/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images; Logo/background: Olha Huro/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images