Propane sometimes known as liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG which is a gas normally compressed and stored as a liquid. It is nontoxic, colourless, and virtually odourless; an identifying odour is added so it can be detected. Propane is commonly used for space and water heating, for cooking, and as fuel for engine applications such as forklifts, farm irrigation engines, fleet vehicles, and buses; however, its applications are rapidly growing due to new technology developments. When used as vehicle fuel, propane is known as propane auto gas. Propane is a three-carbon alkane gas (C3H8). It is stored under pressure inside a tank as a liquid. As pressure is released, the liquid propane vaporizes and turns into gas that is used in combustion. An odorant, ethyl mercaptan, is added for leak detection.

Propane is primarily a by-product of domestic natural gas processing, though some propane is produced from crude oil refinement. U.S. propane supplies are becoming increasingly abundant due in large part to increased supplies of natural gas.

As shale gas extraction has increased, the production of propane from crude oil refinement has dropped dramatically. In 2011, 69% of the total U.S. supply of propane came from natural gas liquids produced in the U.S. and Canada.

Strong growth in propane supply is expected to come from the Marcellus shale play in the north-eastern U.S. Industry observers estimate the Marcellus shale alone can supply more than two billion gallons of propane per year.

Because of the drastic increase in U.S. sources of propane, the U.S. produces more than enough propane to meet current demand and became a net exporter of propane in 2011.

Propane make more popular with users is to separates it from conventional fuels like gasoline and diesel.

Clean- Propane is an approved clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act. Substituting propane for other fuels such as gasoline and fuel oil is an economical and viable step toward cleaner air. Using propane reduces the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide and air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.

Reliable- For millions of Americans every day, propane continues to deliver what is most important to customers choosing their energy: reliability. Even during extreme weather and natural disasters, propane reliably heats and powers homes, businesses, and farms independent of the electric grid.

Abundant- America produces more than enough propane to meet demand. In fact, the U.S. is propane’s leading producer. Propane is an abundant "bridge fuel," making it a clean-burning alternative to gasoline and diesel that can address energy challenges while long-term renewable technologies are developed.

Affordable- Despite sharp declines in oil prices, domestic propane production is expected to continue to grow rapidly, keeping downward pressure on average propane prices relative to oil prices.

American- Propane production keeps quality jobs in our country. As of 2018, over 97,000 workers across the U.S. are employed in propane trade, wholesale, and sales. If you're looking for a job that takes you places and makes an impact for customers, learn more about joining the industry.