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For Immediate Release: Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike
Naig today encouraged ag businesses, farmers, rural residents and other Iowans
that use propane to consider taking steps to ensure adequate propane supplies
this fall and winter.
“It is important for users to be prepared. By working
with your supplier to fill tanks now and book future fills, users can help
avoid any unforeseen price spikes later this year,” Naig said.
As of Sept. 7, the U.S. Energy Information Administration
(EIA) reports propane stocks in the Midwest “PADD 2” region at 25.9 million barrels.
That is up from 25.8 million barrels a year ago. EIA reports that U.S. propane
stocks as of that same date at 74.6 million barrels compared to 82.2 million
barrels a year ago. Lower supply levels are attributed primarily to export
pressures.
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s
most recent weekly heating oil and propane price report showed the average
price for propane in Iowa at $1.26 per gallon.
Last year’s price at this time of year averaged $1.13 per gallon.
Actions that farmers and other propane users can take now
in order to prepare for this fall and winter include:
·
Make sure propane supplies for grain drying,
livestock facilities, homes and machine sheds are full going into the fall
season.
·
Take advantage of early buy/booking programs.
·
Consider expanding on-site capacity at
facilities and homes.
·
Communicate early and regularly with propane
suppliers.
According to the Sept. 10 USDA National Agricultural
Statistics Service Iowa Crop Progress & Condition report, 87 percent of the
corn crop has reached the dent stage or beyond with 28 percent mature, one week
ahead of the five year average.
“The Iowa Propane Gas Association and the state propane
suppliers do a great job keeping abreast of supply and demand issues for this
vital agricultural energy resource. We communicate regularly with all of our
partners, especially during the harvest season, to ensure we are aware of and
responding to any issues,” Naig said.
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For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov
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