© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

State, homeowners, retailers respond to propane shortage

Flickr - jackcarrozzo

Thousands of Michigan households and businesses that use propane gas continue to be squeezed by a shortage of the fuel.

The scarcity stems in part from a large and unusually wet fall harvest.  Farmers who had to dry crops before storage used more of the fuel than usual and lowered reserves.

That shortage has been worsened by our unusually cold winter.

The situation’s led to dramatic fluctuations in propane gas prices, along with concerns about price-gouging and customers going without heat.

Judy Palnau, spokeswoman for the Michigan Public Service Commission, says companies are looking as far as Texas in order to get the supplies needed to make propane. 

Current State’s Kevin Lavery went to DeWitt to talk with resident John Kelly about his situation. Kelly says he does not need propane right now, but that he would be "in a heap of trouble" if he did.

Related Content
With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.