Propane providers, Oklahoma officials set for cold

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Propane providers and Oklahoma officials say they hope to avoid the supply crisis during the upcoming winter season that led to huge price hikes last winter.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says Midwest propane inventories were higher going into this harvest season and two weeks ago supply was above the five-year average. In addition, propane wholesalers and retailers were told by industry and government officials three months ago to prepare for the worst, as a precaution.

Oklahoma experienced record propane prices last winter. Michael Teague, Oklahoma secretary of energy and environment, says cold temperatures and other issues resulted in fuel prices nearly four times normal levels.

Teague says in rural areas of the state, where many families rely on propane to heat their homes, price spikes are difficult to manage.