Greetings!
Well, winter snuck up on us pretty fast to start November! Single digit temps and lots of snow the past week have made November feel like January! Corn drying demand and the colder than normal temperatures have put a lot of pressure on propane distribution. There is not a shortage of propane, but there is only so much propane that can move through distribution at one time. Hopefully by the end of November harvest will be almost completed and temperatures will be back up to normal. But for right now, we are calling for colder than normal through the end of November.
Crude prices spiked on the hopes of a China trade deal. Although crude prices are still very low, we don’t expect to see much more upward movement. I am not convinced that demand is going to outstrip supply in the coming six months.
Retail prices on gasoline have dipped a bit. But I would not expect to see prices drop much more. Diesel prices have risen since winter additive blending and #1 oil have entered the supply picture due to the extreme cold. Winter additive blending and #1 oil can add up to 20 cents/gallon to the cost of diesel fuel. I would expect to see diesel prices remain higher now that winter temps are here.
Propane prices have risen due to the massive demand spike in the Midwest. I do not expect to see prices relax from their current levels anytime soon. If you are a will-call customer, please make sure to check your tank! This cold snap has caught many customers off guard. Also, please make sure to salt or sand your driveway to ensure a safe and efficient delivery, and that there is a clear path to your tank.
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to give us a call.
Best regards,
Jon Crawford