There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks about a looming propane shortage, and the impact this could have on prices. The situation has some in Saskatchewan who rely on propane for heating their homes concerned as winter approaches. 

“There might be in some areas of the world,” explained Aaron Toth. He is the President of Ecogreen Energy Transfer, a propane supplier with offices in Weyburn, Moose Jaw and Kindersley. “Saskatchewan and particularly where we sell propane, we don’t feel there’s anything like that at all. We secured propane supplies and we always have lots of extra.” 

While the propane shortage won’t necessarily affect Saskatchewan in terms of the supply, there could be other impacts that are felt here, and that would be on the pocketbook. The price of propane is the highest it has been in five years. 

“But all the other commodities that you would use to heat your home – natural gas, electricity, heating oil, diesel fuel if you’re using it – that’s all up substantially too,” added Toth. “This is going to be a more expensive winter for most consumers.” 

Part of the reason why the shortage won’t have as much of an impact in Saskatchewan, according to Toth, is because the suppliers in Saskatchewan have managed to secure their supply for the winter. As well, the amount of wellhead gas being produced in Saskatchewan, particularly in the southeast, has resulted in a surplus in propane.  

The situation in the rest of the world is being alleviated in part because of the province, with Saskatchewan-based companies exporting to many parts of the world, including the United States, where the shortage is being seen as a looming crisis.  

As for what the future holds, Toth thinks that as we move through the pandemic, things are going to straighten themselves back out.  

“This is just another cycle we are going to go through.”