Pipeline Woes Continue in Upstate NY

The New York hustle: Disruptions on a major propane pipeline have put a strain on the Watkins Glen terminal. (image: epodunk.com)

This summer, a leak in the major TEPPCO propane pipeline shut down several propane terminals in upstate New York. And though the disruptions haven’t rocked local retail propane prices, dealers in the region are hustling to meet the increasing winter demand. (Transportation costs have a large affect on propane prices.)

And mainly they are hustling to the terminal at Watkins Glen, NY. The hook-up there, which is the closest option for dealers in eastern upstate, has been slammed with business. There are reports of 20 or more transport trucks lining up, with waits extending longer than half a day, according to the petroleum news site OpisNet. At the beginning of December, the terminal went on an allocation plan.

Rail deliveries have helped to supplement the supply, but one unnamed dealer told OpisNet that chilly weather could badly strain New England stocks. And some retailers may consider going to terminals in Ohio, rather than put up with long waits at Watkins Glen.

The leak in the 165-mile pipeline was discovered this August. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority says the pipeline’s operators expect to have it back in service later this month, or in January.

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