The extreme cold winter that has hit the east side of the country, along with the wet fall that prompted farmers to use extra propane to dry crops, has caused a shortage of propane. The shortage has prompted 24 states to declare a state of emergency.

Truck drivers are normally only allowed to drive for 12 hours before they must take a break. By declaring a state of emergency, truck drivers can now drive up to 14 hours straight to help speed up the delivery of propane.

The amount of propane nationwide is not a problem; however, there is not enough propane located close enough to the areas in need.

Propane prices this week are at an average of $2.295 in Wisconsin, up from last year’s price of $1.541 according to Propane Prices. This does not take into account any added fee for travel.

With such a high demand for propane, providers are only giving consumers portions of what they need to ensure that they serve all of their customers.

It is expected that the propane crisis will last until the spring when temperatures finally warm up.