Are you overpaying for Propane?

The price of propane fluctuates and is highly seasonal. An increase in costs could be the result of market factors. However, it could be because your propane company is inflating their margins over time. Another possible cause of increases could be your company was acquired. This happens often in the industry and unbeknown to the consumer.

What Impacts Propane Prices?

Crude Oil Prices

In general, crude oil refineries produce the bulk of propane gas. So, propane competes with crude oil from a production standpoint. For this reason, the price of oil has more of an impact on propane prices than does natural gas.

Supply and Demand

Supply-and-demand is another factor. Since propane is used primarily for heating, longer and colder winters can increase prices. In short, people need more fuel for a longer duration, while inventories begin to dwindle.

Compare Your Delivery Bill

Compare Prices Between Companies

When you call around for pricing make sure they aren’t offering you an “intro” rate to make the switch. These introductory offers can be misleading. You’ll find that low prices are often substantially inflated when it’s time for your next delivery. To avoid this, ask if it’s an intro rate. However a representative may not be honest so it’s good practice to check their online reviews. Also make sure you’re comparing prices from the same time period.

Avoid Unnecessary Fees

Look for fees and extra charges on the delivery ticket. These can vary dramatically by company and can add up over the year.

Save with Smart Tank Monitoring

Smart tank monitoring has many benefits including reducing how often you need a delivery (less delivery fees per year), not running out of propane, and potentially being able to detect a leak. However some companies charge for this service regardless of propane consumption. Check to see if you’re being billed for this or they’re providing it complimentary.

How to Choose a New Provider

A Google search of “propane providers in my area” can be a first step toward choosing a propane provider. However, it can’t be the only step. Companies that offer propane gas delivery are not created equal. Doing your due diligence when you are selecting a provider is important.

Make sure they are directly delivering your gas with their trucks and not outsourcing to another company. There are some internet based companies that do this. You could be left in the cold or worse – how would they handle a safety issue? I like to deal directly with the company when I need something, not have to rely on two companies being on the same page when I’m in desperate need of their services.

Reviews

Reviews on Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc can help you get a clearer picture of how that company does business.

• Bad online reviews – while you might give the benefit of the doubt to a company with one rogue bad review, steer clear if the company has several. Bad reviews often mean the customer felt repeatedly left out in the cold, and you might too. It also may give you an idea how competitive their pricing is.
• No online reviews – an absence of reviews or low quantity isn’t a “clean slate”. It often means that this company provides hum-drum, bare-minimum service. Worse, it could mean the company is hiding their bad press from you and you have to specifically search for their reviews. You deserve a company that goes above and beyond.

Switch & Save up to 30% on Propane

Propane Depot is Long Island’s top rated family owned propane company offering propane delivery and tank installation complete with 24/7 service. Plus you’ll never run out of propane again with our smart propane tank monitors.

Stop overpaying for propane! Click here for a quote or call us at 631-400-SAVE