Propane shortage

Kasich orders speed up in propane deliveries

Laws requiring propane suppliers to stay off roads on weekends suspended

By The Columbus Dispatch  • 

A propane gas shortage in some parts of Ohio has caused Gov. John Kasich to issue an emergency declaration meant to speed up shipments.

Kasich issued a directive late Saturday that suspends state and federal laws that require propane suppliers to stay off the roads on weekends.

Kasich said in his notice that severe cold weather has made it difficult for deliveries to keep up with demand. Similar orders have been issued in Indiana and Michigan.

Severely cold weather is expected back in the region this week with high temperatures in the 10- to 14-degree range for most of the week. Wind chills are expected to be below zero.

Propane is commonly used to heat homes in rural areas where trucks deliver the product directly or to a local supplier.

The shortage doesn’t appear to be impacting the Columbus region. Kelly McGuire, spokeswoman for the Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency, said there had been no complaints or notices from suppliers in the area.

Yesterday, several local suppliers said they were filling tanks as usual.

Kasich’s order could remain in effect for 30 days.