A brief history of propane

From camping stoves to household heaters, it feels like propane has been around forever. But in reality, propane as we know it was discovered just over a century ago, and it took even longer to make its way into our homes. Here's the scoop on propane's surprising past. 

• 1910: Chemist Walter Snelling discovers propane after observing how gasoline in a jug causes the cork to pop off. A few years later, Snelling sells the patent and others start developing new uses for the fuel. 
• 1920s: Throughout this decade, research paves the way for new ways to use propane in appliances and gas equipment. Slowly, products are rolled out into homes. 
• 1930s: During this decade, a rotten egg odor, ethyl mercaptan, is added to propane to allow consumers to detect leaks. In addition, railroad tank transit is developed along with local bottle-filling plants, making the fuel even more ubiquitous. 
• 1947: By this time, 62 percent of American homes are equipped with either natural gas or propane. 
• 1950: The first propane-powered buses are ordered by the Chicago Transit Authority. By 1958, total national propane sales reach over 7 billion gallons. 
• 2004: By this time, propane grows to be a nearly $10 billion industry, with roughly 15 billion gallons of propane used annually in the United States. 

For more history and facts about propane, check out this video: 

Propane prices can fluctuate, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead for your propane supply. To learn about the best deals in your region, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CENEX® REPRESENTATIVE.