Posts by Mark Rachal

Big draw on propane inventory keeps market bullish Posted on 04 Jan 2021 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Propane inventories are still more than adequate, but the focus is on the trends. How will these trends change in 2021? Read more»

Propane prices on a rally this winter Posted on 28 Dec 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Despite ample inventories, U.S. propane prices have appreciated markedly this winter, with most of the gain coming in the last few weeks. Read more»

Canadian propane producers slow exports to US Posted on 07 Dec 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

It has been a curious year to watch the build in Canadian propane inventory. Mark Rachal offers a look at why producers are slowing exports to the U.S. Read more»

Winter is coming: A look at propane inventory going into peak demand season Posted on 30 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Mark Rachal of Cost Management Solutions takes a close look at propane inventory trends ahead of peak demand season. Read more»

Back to the benchmarks: The latest in crude, propane pricing Posted on 23 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Those of you who are regular readers of Trader’s Corner will remember that we set benchmarks on crude and propane early this year. We discussed in several Trader’s Corners the... Read more»

Understanding the separation between crude and propane Posted on 16 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Normally, there is a fairly close correlation between the price direction of propane and crude, but sometimes they can separate. As a propane buyer, it isn’t a bad idea to... Read more»

Potential impacts of Biden presidency on propane Posted on 09 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

President-elect Joe Biden's outlook on energy is considerably different than outgoing President Donald Trump's. Mark Rachal explains how. Read more»

Analyzing U.S. propane production, supply trends Posted on 02 Nov 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

This past week, we got an email from one of our clients expressing confusion about U.S. propane production. It did not make sense to him why, with oil and gas... Read more»

Propane inventory draws go against expectations Posted on 22 Oct 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

The last two Weekly Petroleum Status Reports from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) have shown a decline in total U.S. propane inventory. Read more»

Conway gains in value relative to Mont Belvieu Posted on 15 Oct 2020 in the Blue Flame Blog categories.

Despite high inventory levels at the propane trading hubs currently, we remain concerned about the potential for local market supply shortages during high winter demand periods. Read more»