2026 Propane Outlook

With summer just around the corner, now is the time to plan your propane supply for next winter’s heating needs. The most recent winter brought average to below-average temperatures and saw strong demand for propane. Propane exports are still up and will affect supply moving forward; over the past year, over 64% of our country’s propane was exported, mainly to distant countries in the far east, for the production of plastics. Just 8 days of export volume from the U.S. equals what Wisconsin consumes in 12 months, 420 million gallons per year. In addition, export agreements are generally made with a 3- to 5-year commitment and are not weather-related. We have seen propane prices decline in the near term and have ample supply secured for the upcoming heating season. However, do not let the recent price pullback foster the sense that cheaper gas prices are yet to come this winter. The supply situation in the U.S. for propane and interaction in the Middle East will continue to drive prices higher during peak demand periods.

 
“Rely On Us” is not only our motto; it is what drives us. We go to great lengths to ensure we have two major components in place--supply and service.

 
Ample Storage
United Cooperative proudly invests millions of dollars in working capital to increase local propane storage capacity and purchases propane months before our customers need it. Locally, United Cooperative has almost one million gallons of local storage. This storage capacity, along with our partnership with CHS, one of the largest wholesale propane suppliers in the U.S., allows us to maintain ample propane supply in the event of shortages, as occurred in years past.

 
Contracting
Price protection is another part of what we do for you, our valued customer. As a propane consumer, you can contract your propane needs each year to protect against winter price spikes. Nine out of 10 years, locking in your propane price during the summer can save you money during the winter. There are several contracting options:
 

• Budget plan: Lock in a fixed price and spread your payments for the propane you use for home heating into manageable, equal monthly amounts.
• Booking plan: Lock in a fixed price and pay for your propane fuel as it is delivered.
• Pre-paid plan: Lock in a fixed price for the season and pay for your propane upfront.
• Summer Fill Discount: Fill in June, July, or August for the best pricing.
• E.Z. Gas: No commitment; pay upfront and self-budget for your propane needs.

 

Call us today to discuss contract options to help you keep you and your family warm with propane and take the guesswork out of annual home and business heating costs.

 
Quality Service
Service is essential to us, and something discount suppliers just can’t provide. The cornerstone of our business is safety and service—our certified technicians back every gallon delivered by our certified delivery specialists. We have someone from each location available 24/7 in case of emergencies. If you encounter a propane emergency at your home, farm, or business, we urge you to call us day or night at 1-800-924-2991.

 
Our Energy team provides quality propane that’s clean, efficient, reliable, and affordable; safe service; and delivery that’s far more dependable than our competitors.

 
You can “Rely On Us” for propane supply and service needs.