Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.

The bummer (besides the price) is that each year they keep wanting all
of their money earlier in the year if you prepay. This year you must be
paid in full by May 1st even though we will probably not start using the
propane for heating until mid October.

Prices and comments from around the country would be appreciated.

Don

P,

Just had some delivered last week. It was $2.60/gal. I think it was
$2.30/gal. last Oct.

Dave M.

On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:27:10 -0500, IGot2P wrote:

Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.

Yeah- I guess it's cheaper. Here in upstate NY I paid $2.70 last
July- and by Jan it was $3.30. [and stayed there through last month.]


The bummer (besides the price) is that each year they keep wanting all
of their money earlier in the year if you prepay. This year you must be
paid in full by May 1st even though we will probably not start using the
propane for heating until mid October.

They want to use your money for free. My gas company doesn't offer
'prepay' or 'budget plans' for the little I use. But my fuel oil
dealer does. I've passed on the deal every year, but have noted the
offer and prices for the last 5 years. This is the first year it
would have saved me anything. I used $1300 worth of oil this year
& would have saved $150. But I would have had to pay$1200 last July
instead of pay-as-you-go.

In my extremely frugal moments I have considered buying a second 275
gallon oil tank and filling them both in the summer when I can get the
best deal from whoever I choose.

Jim

On Apr 23, 6:15 am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:

In my extremely frugal moments I have considered buying a second 275
gallon oil tank and filling them both in the summer when I can get the
best deal from whoever I choose.


I have a "nice" propane delivery man. What he does each year is let
our tanks run almost empty (we only use out propane tank for our
fireplace) in the spring. Then in the summer he shows up and fills it
at the cheaper summer rates (at least the last two years its been
cheaper). I guess there still is some good customer service out there.

John

On Apr 23, 10:15*am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:27:10 -0500, IGot2P wrote:
Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.

Yeah- I guess it's cheaper. * Here in upstate NY I paid $2.70 last
July- and by Jan it was $3.30. *[and stayed there through last month.]



The bummer (besides the price) is that each year they keep wanting all
of their money earlier in the year if you prepay. This year you must be
paid in full by May 1st even though we will probably not start using the
propane for heating until mid October.

They want to use your money for free. * * My gas company doesn't offer
'prepay' or 'budget plans' for the little I use. * But my fuel oil
dealer does. * I've passed on the deal every year, but have noted the
offer and prices for the last 5 years. * * This is the first year it
would have saved me anything. * * I used $1300 worth of oil this year
& would have saved $150. * But I would have had to pay$1200 last July
instead of pay-as-you-go. *

In my extremely frugal moments I have considered buying a second 275
gallon oil tank and filling them both in the summer when I can get the
best deal from whoever I choose. * * *

Jim

Seems like the best thing would be to calculate how much interest it
would cost you to borrow the cost of a fill-up, from say the bank, six
months in advance of when you will need it?
If, for example the interest rate is say 6% and it will cost $500 for
the fuel, buying it six months in advance. 6% annum. on $500 = $30.
So for half a year; it will cost you, in interest, about $15 to fill
up 'now' rather than wait for start of next burning season?
And if you could save that, or more, by the 'now' decision it's a no-
brainer.
Since many bank LOCs require a minimum monthly payment your monthly
payout until heating season might be 2% = $10/mo, so that after six
months you will have paid out $60 (principle plus interest) and will
then owe at the time you would be buying fuel anyway, a remaining
balance of about $455.
Of course with the prices of all fuels going up and the value of the
dollar somewhat in doubt maybe a supply of fuel on hand would be a
good decision?

David L. Martel wrote:
P,

Just had some delivered last week. It was $2.60/gal. I think it was
$2.30/gal. last Oct.

That's a good trick since the wholesale price of propane is in the $3.10 -
$3.20 range. They must have had a *LOT* on hand.

Our tank was filled a month or so ago, $5.36/gallon (central Florida). I'm
changing from Amerigas to Blue Flame...they are only $3.85/gallon.


--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

dadiOH wrote:
David L. Martel wrote:
P,

Just had some delivered last week. It was $2.60/gal. I think it was
$2.30/gal. last Oct.

That's a good trick since the wholesale price of propane is in the $3.10 -
$3.20 range. They must have had a *LOT* on hand.

Our tank was filled a month or so ago, $5.36/gallon (central Florida). I'm
changing from Amerigas to Blue Flame...they are only $3.85/gallon.

Is that a very small tank or what? I realize that propane in Iowa is
cheaper than most places, but $5.36! I am the OP and I was talking about
500 or 1,000 gallon tanks.

Don

On Apr 23, 9:17 am, terry wrote:
On Apr 23, 10:15 am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:



On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:27:10 -0500, IGot2P wrote:
Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.

Yeah- I guess it's cheaper. Here in upstate NY I paid $2.70 last
July- and by Jan it was $3.30. [and stayed there through last month.]

The bummer (besides the price) is that each year they keep wanting all
of their money earlier in the year if you prepay. This year you must be
paid in full by May 1st even though we will probably not start using the
propane for heating until mid October.

They want to use your money for free. My gas company doesn't offer
'prepay' or 'budget plans' for the little I use. But my fuel oil
dealer does. I've passed on the deal every year, but have noted the
offer and prices for the last 5 years. This is the first year it
would have saved me anything. I used $1300 worth of oil this year
& would have saved $150. But I would have had to pay$1200 last July
instead of pay-as-you-go.

In my extremely frugal moments I have considered buying a second 275
gallon oil tank and filling them both in the summer when I can get the
best deal from whoever I choose.

Jim

Seems like the best thing would be to calculate how much interest it
would cost you to borrow the cost of a fill-up, from say the bank, six
months in advance of when you will need it?
If, for example the interest rate is say 6% and it will cost $500 for
the fuel, buying it six months in advance. 6% annum. on $500 = $30.
So for half a year; it will cost you, in interest, about $15 to fill
up 'now' rather than wait for start of next burning season?
And if you could save that, or more, by the 'now' decision it's a no-
brainer.
Since many bank LOCs require a minimum monthly payment your monthly
payout until heating season might be 2% = $10/mo, so that after six
months you will have paid out $60 (principle plus interest) and will
then owe at the time you would be buying fuel anyway, a remaining
balance of about $455.


Instead of a loan most bank have some sort of revolving line of
credit. Might not be a bad idea if the interest rate is good.

John

dadiOh,

Are you complaining because I pay less than you at $2.60/gal or because
the OP is paying $2.10/gal?
$5.36/gal? I hope you don't heat a lot in Florida. Is that the price to
fill up the grill tank?

Dave M.

David L. Martel wrote:
dadiOh,

Are you complaining because I pay less than you at $2.60/gal or
because the OP is paying $2.10/gal?

I wasn't complqaining, just saying $2.60 is a deal - less than what
wholesale has been for several months.

$5.36/gal? I hope you don't heat a lot in Florida. Is that the
price to fill up the grill tank?

No, its a 120 gallon tank. Last delivery was 72.6 gallons. Used for hot
water, cooktop and - occasionally - fireplace starter.


--

dadiOH
____________________________

dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
....a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico

on 4/23/2008 8:15 AM Jim Elbrecht said the following:
On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:27:10 -0500, IGot2P wrote:


Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.


Yeah- I guess it's cheaper. Here in upstate NY I paid $2.70 last
July- and by Jan it was $3.30. [and stayed there through last month.]


I paid $2.75 a gal. last December. I get automatic delivery--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

on 4/24/2008 10:19 AM h said the following:
"willshak" wrote in message
m...

on 4/23/2008 8:15 AM Jim Elbrecht said the following:

On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:27:10 -0500, IGot2P wrote:



Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.


Yeah- I guess it's cheaper. Here in upstate NY I paid $2.70 last
July- and by Jan it was $3.30. [and stayed there through last month.]


I paid $2.75 a gal. last December. I get automatic delivery--



WOW! It's WAAAY more expensive to have them come and fill a tank. I take my
two 20lb tanks to the local welding supply store and it's $38 for 40lbs. I'm
in upstate NY, too.




Yep, you pay for the driver's salary and benefits, the gasoline used to
deliver the propane, wear and tear on the truck, the overhead, and profit.


--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
To email, remove the double zeroes after @

On Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:54:42 -0400, h wrote:

-snip-
Agreed, but I'm paying less than $1 a pound, and delivery is $3.30 a pound.
$2.30 a pound seems like REALLY high overhead. I may have to re-think
putting in a propane cook top and fireplaces, and just stay with electric
and wood.

Whoa--- you're buying by the pound- delivery is by the gallon. 4.24
pounds per gallon- [ http://www.nwes.com/propane_info.htm ] So you're
paying more to get your tanks filled than we're paying for delivery.

If you don't need the portability you'd probably be better off having
a 100 gallon tank that gets filled at home. [especially if you are
considering adding some gas appliances.

Jim

still 2.09 here in the south KC area. prepay is in october.

s


"IGot2P" wrote in message
...
Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract price
for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the truck is
$2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at $1.569 last
year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in this part of
the country than in most other parts but was just curious about prices
elsewhere.

The bummer (besides the price) is that each year they keep wanting all of
their money earlier in the year if you prepay. This year you must be paid
in full by May 1st even though we will probably not start using the
propane for heating until mid October.

Prices and comments from around the country would be appreciated.

Don

how do you get 6% on short term savings? do tell.


s


"terry" wrote in message
...
On Apr 23, 10:15 am, Jim Elbrecht wrote:
On Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:27:10 -0500, IGot2P wrote:
Just got a call from my supplier here in SE Iowa and their contract
price for next year (if prepaid) is $1.929.....current price off the
truck is $2.099. For comparison purposes we contracted 800 gallon at
$1.569 last year. I realize that propane is normally less expensive in
this part of the country than in most other parts but was just curious
about prices elsewhere.

Yeah- I guess it's cheaper. Here in upstate NY I paid $2.70 last
July- and by Jan it was $3.30. [and stayed there through last month.]



The bummer (besides the price) is that each year they keep wanting all
of their money earlier in the year if you prepay. This year you must be
paid in full by May 1st even though we will probably not start using the
propane for heating until mid October.

They want to use your money for free. My gas company doesn't offer
'prepay' or 'budget plans' for the little I use. But my fuel oil
dealer does. I've passed on the deal every year, but have noted the
offer and prices for the last 5 years. This is the first year it
would have saved me anything. I used $1300 worth of oil this year
& would have saved $150. But I would have had to pay$1200 last July
instead of pay-as-you-go.

In my extremely frugal moments I have considered buying a second 275
gallon oil tank and filling them both in the summer when I can get the
best deal from whoever I choose.

Jim

Seems like the best thing would be to calculate how much interest it
would cost you to borrow the cost of a fill-up, from say the bank, six
months in advance of when you will need it?
If, for example the interest rate is say 6% and it will cost $500 for
the fuel, buying it six months in advance. 6% annum. on $500 = $30.
So for half a year; it will cost you, in interest, about $15 to fill
up 'now' rather than wait for start of next burning season?
And if you could save that, or more, by the 'now' decision it's a no-
brainer.
Since many bank LOCs require a minimum monthly payment your monthly
payout until heating season might be 2% = $10/mo, so that after six
months you will have paid out $60 (principle plus interest) and will
then owe at the time you would be buying fuel anyway, a remaining
balance of about $455.
Of course with the prices of all fuels going up and the value of the
dollar somewhat in doubt maybe a supply of fuel on hand would be a
good decision?

having the little jugs filled by the pound is always more expensive than
buying by the gallon. whether it's delivered or not.

i pay $15.50 to fill 30# jugs. I only pay $2.09 by the gallon.

s


"Jim Elbrecht" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:54:42 -0400, h wrote:

-snip-
Agreed, but I'm paying less than $1 a pound, and delivery is $3.30 a
pound.
$2.30 a pound seems like REALLY high overhead. I may have to re-think
putting in a propane cook top and fireplaces, and just stay with electric
and wood.

Whoa--- you're buying by the pound- delivery is by the gallon. 4.24
pounds per gallon- [ http://www.nwes.com/propane_info.htm ] So you're
paying more to get your tanks filled than we're paying for delivery.

If you don't need the portability you'd probably be better off having
a 100 gallon tank that gets filled at home. [especially if you are
considering adding some gas appliances.

Jim

i'm not sure about those dinky 20's, but the 30's actually receive 30# of
propane. It's done with a scale and it's set to 30# higher than the mt jug
weighs. My guy usually just lets 'em fill 'till the OFP valve cuts it off
.. Usually 32 or 33 pounds.

s

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
...
As I understand, 20 pounders are filled to 16 pounds.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.


WOW! It's WAAAY more expensive to have them come and fill a tank. I take
my
two 20lb tanks to the local welding supply store and it's $38 for 40lbs.
I'm
in upstate NY, too.

On Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:01:35 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote:

As I understand, 20 pounders are filled to 16 pounds.

And there are 4lb or so of propane per gallon. Portable tanks are
sold by the pound, fixed tanks are filled by the gallon.