Despite the ongoing shortage of propane in some areas of the U.S. Midwest, the situation doesn’t appear to be adversely affecting Canada, according to the Canadian Propane Association.
The late harvest in the Midwest has been further hampered by wet conditions, forcing farmers to dry their grain before putting it in the bin. Demand has increased because many dryers use propane.
Media reports stated the infrastructure system to move propane around the region has been largely at fault. The system of pipelines, rail and trucks has been unable to keep up with demand. Further exacerbating the situation has been further increased demand for home and commercial heating. Some Midwest states have temporarily lifted transportation restrictions on propane in hopes of improving the supply.
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This hasn’t been the issue in Canada, said Nathalie St-Pierre, president of the Canadian Propane Association.
“With the challenging wet and cold weather, propane demand for crop drying has been strong and steady this fall. CPA members say that although it was one of the busier years for propane demand, it was less than it was last year. Snow and freezing rain has all but shut down harvest in the country at this time, so demand is transitioning to construction heaters and home heating,” St-Pierre said.
“Our industry anticipates demand for propane to be strong during the winter and is ready to serve their customers’ needs.”
