Month by month
Forecast average U.S. residential propane price, dollars per gallon, before tax.
| Month | Last winter (actual) | This winter (forecast) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov | $2.46 | $2.51 | ▲ 2% |
| Dec | $2.54 | $2.52 | ▼ 1% |
| Jan | $2.59 | $2.52 | ▼ 3% |
| Feb | $2.66 | $2.53 | ▼ 5% |
| Mar | $2.67 | $2.52 | ▼ 6% |
Forecast from EIA's October 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook (Winter Fuels Outlook table). This week's actual U.S. average is $2.73, above the November forecast of $2.51.
Wholesale propane prices rose 17¢ in the last two weeks
Mont Belvieu propane was $1.20 a gallon on Oct 27, 2026, the latest wholesale price. Retail prices usually follow, so expect prices to rise in the coming weeks.
Since 2015, after a two-week wholesale move this size, the U.S. retail price moved the same way within three weeks 66% of the time.
What a winter of propane will cost
Forecast spending for a typical home that heats with propane, November to March, before tax.
Forecast by region
Average residential propane price this winter, before tax.
| Region | Last winter | This winter | Change | Winter bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $3.47 | $3.28 | ▼ 6% | $1,687 |
| Midwest | $2.11 | $2.04 | ▼ 3% | $1,305 |
| South | $3.21 | $3.19 | ▼ 1% | $1,164 |
| U.S. average | $2.58 | $2.52 | ▼ 2% | $1,246 |
What this means if you're buying propane
- The forecast expects prices to stay fairly flat through the winter, from about $2.51 in November to $2.52 in March.
- Never let your tank run low waiting for a lower price. Running out means emergency delivery charges, and your supplier must leak-check the system before turning the gas back on. Check your level with the propane tank calculator.
- Forecasts are uncertain. They depend on world oil and natural gas markets and the weather. A cold snap or supply problem can move prices more than the forecast suggests.
- Your dealer's price matters more than the national trend. Compare quotes with your state's average on the propane prices by state page.
Also see the heating oil price forecast and why heating oil prices are so high right now.
Common questions
Will propane prices go down this winter?
EIA's October 2026 forecast puts the winter average at $2.52 a gallon, 2% lower than last winter's $2.58, with prices expected to stay fairly flat between November and March. Wholesale propane prices rose 17¢ in the last two weeks.
How much will it cost to heat my home with propane this winter?
EIA estimates a typical propane-heated home will spend about $1,246 from November to March, using about 494 gallons, or $1,385 if the winter is 10% colder than normal. Your own bill depends on your home, your heating system and your local price.
Where does this forecast come from?
From the U.S. Energy Information Administration's Short-Term Energy Outlook, published monthly. We update this page automatically when a new outlook is released. Prices exclude taxes.