Winter Weather Logistics and Winter Storm Blair

Winter weather and cold weather has arrived for most of the country, and the propane industry is hard at work keeping homes warm and generators running. As our members continue their hard work, NPGA and the state and regional associations are busy advocating for hours-of-service relief for drivers to continue their essential work.

Currently, fourteen states have issued Hours of Service Waivers.

NPGA posts applicable Hours of Service Waivers, Emergency Waivers, and State of Emergency Declarations on our website, here. Current posted declarations and waivers for the following states related to the transportation of supplies and/or fuel are listed here:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Vermont
• West Virginia

NPGA continues to gather data and communicates daily with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We share information from our membership regarding terminal wait times, other delays, and issuance of state waivers, which we encourage you to share via PLAN, available online at https://plan.npga.org. NPGA requested a regional hours of service waiver from FMCSA, and if this request is granted, NPGA will notify members immediately.

NPGA remains in communication with the state associations affected by Winter Storm Blair as well as the U.S. Department of Energy and FMCSA. If there is a need to extend a waiver, please reach out to your state association as well as NPGA.

On supply, the EIA reported total U.S. propane/propylene inventories had a withdrawal of 2.46 MMbbl for the week ending January 3, which was slightly below industry expectations for a decrease of 2.78 MMbbl and below the average draw for the week of 2.7 MMbbl. Storage levels were 4.5% above the same period last year. So far, secondary propane storage has been sufficient to meet increased demand; however, there may be challenges if snowy and cold conditions continue throughout the country, delaying resupply and increasing demand. Visit NPGA’s Inventory Trends section for more information on inventory including the full weekly report, monthly report, and data analysis.

Additionally, the Mid-America Pipeline Company announced an allocation policy for its East Propane System for the following destinations: Carrollton, Moberly Terminal, Cantril Terminal, Ft. Madison, Farmington Terminal, Iowa City Terminal, Dubuque Terminal, Janesville, and Janesville Terminal effective Thursday, January 09, 2025.

Please contact NPGA’s Senior Manager of State Association Relations Eric Sears or NPGA’s Director of Regulatory Affairs Kate Gaziano with questions or concerns.