Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, February 7, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The state is offering to assist Indiana propane users who face drastically low supplies of the fuel.
A major shortage of the fuel on which millions of rural homeowners and businesses depend has come as temperatures have often dropped below zero in several states.
The U.S. Energy Information Association says the national average price for a gallon of propane in Indiana has soared to more than $4 the past two weeks, up from $2.96 the previous week.
The Indiana Attorney General's office says consumers whose propane tank's supply is at 10 percent or less and have trouble contacting their supplier, or can't find a different supplier, may the office for assistance at 1-800-382-5516.
The office says it will help customers resolve delivery issues by working with suppliers.
Meantime, U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski is applauding a federal decision extending a transportation waiver for truckers delivering propane.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it would extend an emergency declaration for the Midwest through March 1. Walorski, a northern Indiana Republican, was one of many lawmakers to request the extension, which will allow propane deliveries to continue without limitations.
The shortage - caused by a wet fall and an extremely cold winter - has caused propane prices to double in some areas of the state.
Gov. Mike Pence has asked Indiana residents to return any unneeded propane to suppliers. He also has released $5 million in low-income heating assistance.
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