Watch propane price curves to chart a course

January 3, 2023 By Mark Rachal

Mark Rachal, director of research and publications with Cost Management Solutions, looks at the forward price curve for propane.

This article is tagged with Cost Management Solutions, COVID-19, Europe, Mark Rachal, Mont Belvieu, propane demand, propane exports, propane fundamentals, propane inventory, propane production, Trader's Corner, Ukraine and posted in Blue Flame Blog

Over the past decade, the U.S. went from being a net importer of propane to a net exporter, largely due to the shale boom. (Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration)

In the Know: State of the propane industry

December 29, 2022 By Marty Lerum

To round out 2022, Propane Resources’ Managing Partner Marty Lerum reviews the past 25 years and its impact on the propane industry.

This article is tagged with electricity, In the Know, Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane fundamentals, propane resources, Propane Resources LLC and posted in Blue Flame Blog, Current Issue, From the Magazine

Expectations versus reality: How low propane prices dropped

December 27, 2022 By Mark Rachal

Our predictions were a little right and wrong. We saw the potential for lower prices, but we significantly underestimated the potential size of the drop.

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

Propane price drop contributes to rejection conditions

December 20, 2022 By Mark Rachal

We are at the point of rejection occurring, but it has not been based on our premise that natural gas prices would rise faster than crude and propane’s price.

Rail. Image: Photo: karinclaus/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images

Propane remains on the move, its inventory position robust

December 13, 2022 By Brian Richesson

The propane industry avoided what one leader called a “catastrophic” situation when Congress intervened to prevent a national rail union strike.

This article is tagged with Chelsea Aiken, National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), propane demand, propane exports, propane fundamentals, propane inventory, propane production, rail terminal, Top Propane Retailers, Trader's Corner, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and posted in Blue Flame Blog

A rising tide lifts all boats

December 6, 2022 By Mark Rachal

With propane at such a low value, any change in propane’s fundamentals will allow prices to rise with crude, and prices could rise with crude regardless.

Propane inventory just keeps building

November 29, 2022 By Mark Rachal

Inventory is 9.7 percent above its five-year average. We have only seen inventory higher than this four times in the past 19 years, says Mark Rachal of CMS.