Chart 1: U.S. propane/propylene demand

Dealing with propane demand volatility

May 20, 2025 By Mark Rachal

This week, Mark Rachal, director of research and publications, examines the volatility in U.S. propane demand.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, Mark Rachal, propane demand, propane exports, propane imports, propane production, propane traders, tariffs, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Image: Olemedia/E+/Getty Images

What separates companies that are succeeding in recruitment from ones that aren’t?

May 14, 2025 By LP Gas

The LPG Editorial Advisory Board shares its advice for recruiting new employees.

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This article is tagged with ATomiK Creative Solutions, Christensen Inc., Christina Armentano, Conger LP Gas, Cost Management Solutions, Dan Richardson, Dennis Halverson, Dustin Delay, Ferrellgas, Leslie Anderson, May 2025, Michelle Bimson-Maggi, Mike Walters, Paraco Gas, Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), Superior Energy Systems, tom jaenicke and posted in Current Issue, From the Magazine

Chart 3: Crude Oil - WTI

Contangoed vs. backwardated crude price curves and propane prices

May 13, 2025 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal looks at the impact of crude forward price curves on propane prices.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, crude prices, financial hedging, Mark Rachal, propane prices, propane traders, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Fractionation more of a contributor to inventory tightness than originally thought

May 5, 2025 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal explains how fractionator throughput has contributed to propane inventory tightness.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, fractionation, fractionator, Mark Rachal, propane demand, propane inventories, propane inventory, Trader's Corner, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Chart 1: Total propane demand

Update: Solving for the unknown in crazy April propane prices

April 28, 2025 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications, gives an update on last week’s conundrum of April’s propane forward price curve.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, Mark Rachal, propane demand, propane prices, propane production, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Chart 1: Mt Belvieu - ETR

Solving for the unknown in crazy April propane prices

April 22, 2025 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications for Cost Management Solutions, examines propane’s current forward price curve.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, Mark Rachal, Mont Belvieu, propane demand, propane prices, propane supply, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Photo: Nuthawut Somsuk/iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

How do you get everyone committed to a company mission?

April 19, 2025 By LP Gas

The LPG Editorial Advisory Board shares its advice on how get everyone on board when it comes to the company mission.

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This article is tagged with April 2025, ATomiK Creative Solutions, Christensen Inc., Conger LP Gas, Cost Management Solutions, Ferrellgas, Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), Superior Energy Systems and posted in From the Magazine, Current Issue

Propane marketers can reassess and repurpose tank assets that are already in the field to avoid buying new tanks at relatively high prices. (Photo by LP Gas staff)

Trading versus hedging in propane futures

April 15, 2025 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications, explains key concepts in propane futures.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, financial hedging, Mark Rachal, propane traders, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Chart 1: Belvieu price averages

Far-out thoughts on buying propane

April 7, 2025 By Mark Rachal

This week, Mark Rachal, director of research and publications, discusses the historical averages and the future of buying propane.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, financial swaps, Mark Rachal, propane prices, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured

Chart 1: Total propane demand

Playing the averages may mean missing an opportunity

April 1, 2025 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications, warns against getting price protection for the next winter.

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This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, Mark Rachal, propane demand, propane prices, Trader's Corner and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Featured