Are you getting cheated on Propane?

Several months ago I asked readers if they Exchange or Refill their propane tanks. Several people commented that they were getting shortchanged on their propane exchanges. Tanks designed to hold up to 18 pounds of propane were only being filled with 15 pounds. The majority of complaints I received were directed at Blue Rhino exchanges (Blue Rhino is owned by a company called Ferrellgas). Now the Albany, NY the Times Union is reporting that the New York State Consumer Protection Board is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous tactics by some propane suppliers. This practice, which started in 2008 when propane prices spiked, has lead to two federal lawsuits against large propane suppliers for violation of consumer protection laws. Amerigas, the exclusive supplier of self serve propane exchange units to Home Depot claims that they are no longer liable since they have changed labeling on their propane tanks to state that it contains only 15 pounds of propane.

Recently I have seen a few complaints from gas grill owners that their must be something wrong with their grill since they seem to be using more fuel than normal. Clearly this is caused by changes in refill volume that most grill owners are simply not aware off.

To insure that you are getting a full tank of propane you should locate a refilling station that meters the fuel amount they sell and charges not by the refill but by the amount of propane sold. I encourage you to talk with your local propane supplier to make sure you are getting what you pay for and help end this deceptive practice.