As winter temperatures settle in across New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency in response to a significant propane distribution disruption affecting parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. News of the emergency has understandably raised concerns among homeowners and businesses who rely on propane to heat their homes, keep equipment running, and maintain everyday comfort.
At Matthey Propane, we want to ensure our customers—throughout Camden County and the surrounding areas—have the facts about the statewide situation and, more importantly, feel confident and reassured about their fuel supply. Here is what you need to know about the cause of the current propane challenges, how the state is responding, and why Matthey Propane customers remain fully supported and unaffected.
What Caused New Jersey’s Propane Supply Disruption?
The challenges began on November 21, 2025, when a major propane distribution terminal in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania—one of the key hubs supplying propane to several states in the region—experienced a power outage. This outage disrupted normal loading operations for fuel transport trucks and caused the facility to operate on a limited, intermittent basis.
When a distribution hub this large experiences problems, ripple effects extend quickly across the supply chain. Truck drivers face longer wait times, lines at terminals back up, and fuel distributors throughout New Jersey and nearby states may see delays in receiving their usual propane shipments.
Because roughly 186,000 New Jersey households rely on propane for home heating, the potential for delayed deliveries becomes a significant public concern—especially as temperatures drop well below freezing.
Why the State Declared an Emergency
To help ease these delays and ensure propane can be delivered as efficiently as possible, Governor Murphy issued a State of Emergency, effective December 12. This emergency declaration allows for:
- Temporary extension of truck driving hours, increasing the maximum from 11 to 14 hours per shift.
- Faster movement of propane throughout the state, helping distributors restock more quickly.
- The ability for state agencies to respond more flexibly to heating needs throughout the winter.
The goal of the order is simple: to prevent vulnerable households from losing access to essential heating fuel during the coldest time of the year.
What This Means for You as a Matthey Propane Customer
The most important message we want to share is this:
Matthey Propane is NOT experiencing shortages, delays, or supply concerns.
Thanks to proactive planning, diversified supply channels, and long-established storage capacity, Matthey Propane continues to operate without interruption. Our customers in Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, and neighboring counties can expect:
- On-schedule deliveries
- Normal service operations
- No reduction in supply availability
- No change in emergency service response times
While some distributors more heavily dependent on single-source supply lines may feel the strain of the regional slowdown, we maintain multiple supplier relationships—including sources not affected by the Marcus Hook outage. This means your propane is secure, stable, and ready for delivery no matter what the broader market is experiencing.
Our Winter Readiness Strategy
Every year, long before the first cold snap arrives, Matthey Propane prepares for winter by:
- Fueling storage tanks early and strategically
- Maintaining multiple supply routes and partners
- Securing early-season inventory commitments with wholesalers
- Scheduling drivers and trucks for increased winter demand
- Monitoring regional infrastructure impacts daily
Because of this long-standing strategy, our customers continue receiving reliable service even during unexpected industry disruptions like this one.
Tips for Customers During the Statewide Emergency
Even though Matthey Propane remains fully stocked, we always recommend that our customers take simple precautions during winter months:
- Check your tank level regularly, especially after long stretches of cold weather.
- Call us before your tank drops below 30%, ensuring plenty of time to schedule your delivery.
- Keep your driveway and pathways clear so our delivery teams can safely access your tank.
- Sign up for automatic delivery, which eliminates the worry of running low.
- Use propane heating equipment safely, and never use outdoor heaters or grills indoors.
If you ever have questions about your tank level or delivery schedule, our team is always here to help.
Matthey Propane Remains Your Trusted, Reliable Heating Partner
We understand how unsettling it can be to hear about fuel shortages—especially when your family relies on propane to stay warm. But rest assured: Matthey Propane customers are protected. Our supply is stable, our deliveries are on schedule, and our commitment to keeping your home warm has never been stronger.
We will continue closely monitoring the statewide situation and updating customers if anything changes. Until then, please know you can rely on us today, tomorrow, and throughout the winter season.
If you need to schedule a delivery or have questions about your propane service, call us anytime—we’re here for you.
