AmeriGas Propane Delays Spark Frustration Across North Carolina and the East Coast
'Out of 1000 gallons, I have 100 left,' says Joseph Folk, a 79-year-old resident of Colvard Farms, highlighting the growing concern among residents in North Carolina and the East Coast over delayed propane shipments from AmeriGas. As winter weather approaches, the lack of heat is becoming a pressing issue for many.
'Never heard anything, except that 'we tried to deliver' but didn’t do it,' Folk said, expressing frustration over the lack of communication and the two-day delay in his propane delivery. Despite repeated phone calls, he hasn't received a clear answer on when his next delivery will arrive, causing worry for him and his 79-year-old wife.
'Our House is 60 degrees with no hot water for showers,' said John Prince, a Durham County resident who hasn't received his auto delivery in weeks. Danielle Ratcliffe, a mother from Charlotte, placed an online order on January 19 but still hasn't received propane or heat as of Wednesday morning, despite being told the delivery would be on February 3.
'I got an estimated delivery of January 26 through January 29. Those days came and went with no communication from AmeriGas,' she said.
Navarrie Southerland, an Asheville resident, placed an order with AmeriGas on January 16 when her tank level reached 30%. Despite being told a delivery would come between January 23 and January 26, she began calling on January 28 after not receiving the delivery. Three days later, she cancelled her order out of frustration.
'Our delivery trucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard vehicles, requiring clear, safe access to completedeliveries,' said AmeriGas officials, explaining the challenges they face in delivering propane. They also emphasized the safety of drivers and customers as the biggest priority, asking customers to maintain a safe delivery path, clear equipment and vents, mark underground tanks, and order early.
This isn't the first time AmeriGas has faced delivery delays. In 2022, the state’s Attorney General’s Office received several delivery complaints. Customers are encouraged to check their tanks and request a refill as soon as their gauge hits 30%.
'You may shop around for the best price if you own the tank yourself, and that is the return you get for your investment of buying a tank,' said officials from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, explaining the limitations on refilling propane tanks owned by other companies.
As the situation unfolds, residents across North Carolina and the East Coast are left wondering when they will receive their propane deliveries, and whether AmeriGas can resolve the delays in time for the winter season.
