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Updated: 3:27 PM Mar 3, 2008
Price Gouging on Propane Gas?
A class-action lawsuit has been filed that assumes local customers are being cheated. Posted: 4:50 AM Mar 1, 2008Reporter: Beth Shayne Email Address: beth.shayne@wilx.com |
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Posted by: Doris
Location: Farmington, ME
on Feb 10, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I want to change companies from Webber Fuel but since they "did me such a service" by keeping ownership of my tanks, I suppose I'm stuck with them. Google's Maine average price for propane on 2-2-09 is 2.952 per gallon. The price of the propane delivered at my house this morning, is listed at $4.019 per gallon! up from $3.519 charged on January 29---12 days ago! I wish I could afford to go geotherman, too! It may not help but I'm going to start writing letters to our governor and our congressmen. At least it might take care of some of my frustration. We seem to be helpless in the hands of a bunch of crooks!!!
Posted by: Kevin R.
Location: Ft. Wayne, IN
on Jan 31, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Response to Carole in Levittown, PA. It sounds like your propane company has already gone "Green". We call it "Banker's Green"!
Posted by: Christine
Location: Woolwich Twp, NJ
on Jan 28, 2009 at 01:21 PM
I have about had it with these propanes companies. I happen to own 2 properties that both use propane. The one property is a vacation property used mostly in the summer, but I still have to pay for propane. I just called my current provider and asked them why I was being charged 3.24/gal. They told me it was based on usage, but she could lock me in for 3.06/gal. Told her that was STILL high. So I am penalized because I use less propane on a 2nd home? This industry is nuts. I am going to continue to shop around in the area to see if I can find a better deal. If anyone knows of any reasonable propane companies in Cape May County, NJ - please post. Thanks!
Posted by: Carole
Location: Levittown, PA
on Jan 27, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Why are the Propane companies allowed to charge you more per gallon when you use less propane? Aren't we supposed to be using less to go Green
Posted by: Tom
Location: Woodstown, NJ
on Jan 23, 2009 at 08:03 AM
It;s almost comforting to see that it's not just my propane company - HERITAGE - in Millville, that's robbing me blind. The price was 3.85/gal I asked why so high and got the same answer - this is the price we paid for gas last year. Since I can't afford a 900.00 gas bill every month, I get the minimum delivery which is .50 cents higher per gallon. There has to be someone we can contact about this monopoly ! Any suggestions let me know
Posted by: David
Location: Bluffton, SC
on Jan 21, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Where is "60 Minutes" when you need them, just Google a few of the propane companies and you see nothing but ripoffs and fraud. I've been Ferrell Gas for over 15 years (I know, my mistake) and the service is atrocious. They impose fees at will, deliver fuel when prices are highest, charge non-competitive prices, deny fuel delivery because the tank is in disrepair (THEIR tank), and the list goes on. And now that their buying out (or already bought) everybody, it's getting to be a non-competitive industry. How is there not a class-action suit addressing this industry wide? I guess our public reps are a good start, but what government agency regulates these guys?
Posted by: David
Location: Barr
on Jan 20, 2009 at 09:25 PM
When I contacted my propane supplier in November, 2008 to question why prices were so high I was told that they had purchased a good deal of their supply in late summer when the wholesale price was high and were just making a fair profit. They said that they were periodically purchasing more inventories and that if their price went down, so would mine. I accepted the explanation and have been watching wholesale prices which have been plummeting while their retail prices only dropped a few pennies. In the last week my supplier actually raised their price. I called and was basically told that they were merely charging what other suppliers in the area were charging. So, until one local supplier drops prices, I am stuck paying whatever they feel like charging regardless of the wholesale price. The industry needs to be regulated and I encourage everyone to contact their state representatives. I am drafting a letter now.
Posted by: Diane Jones
Location: Jackson
on Jan 13, 2009 at 03:09 PM
What about the prices here in Jackson, MI and the providers make up their rules as they go. I changed providers and had gas left in the tank. They charged me to remove the gas and just happened to be the same amount of the price of the gas that I orginially paid for it. I bought it for $1.79, now the are charging $2.62.
Posted by: Ted
Location: Hillsdale, MI
on Jan 9, 2009 at 01:51 PM
I too was a victim of Intergy, - until I converted to a goethermal system. Heating costs dropped significantly. However, the cost of conversion is high, but will be recouped with yearly ssavings. Additionally, the government nows pays for up to 20% of the conversion costs. Intergy is still wondering why I'm not having my tank filled.
Posted by: Tom
Location: Michigan
on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I think the propane price is being manipulated. The futures prices for propane in Jan, Feb was in the .70/gal. How long does it take to get to us.
Posted by: Patrick
Location: san francisco
on Jan 4, 2009 at 04:05 AM
..propane is nearly 4.00 a gallon in the SF/bay area but north of Sac.it's about 2.50 a gallon. our worthless politicians are allowing price gouging under the guise of, "market pricing". The consumer/taxpayer is getting SCREWED on propane pricing. pd.
Posted by: Jim
Location: Wadsworth, Ohio
on Dec 31, 2008 at 09:06 PM
We just did the dance today. We ordered from our regular supplier and were told that the price per gallon was $3.169 but she would be nice and bring it down to $3.049 (200 Gallon fill would be $618.00). I did a little research and found that another supplier could take care of us for 1.809. I called the first company back and told them I wanted to cancel the fill - It would be no problem but did I mind telling them why? I explained and they ended up matching the price (almost - a difference I can live with for this fill - we had a credit with them as we always prepay and I wasn't leaving that money on the table). She went on to explain that we were quoted the cost for leased tank customers. We own our own tank, which needs to be replaced soon - We were thinking of leasing but, hang that! I've found that a 500 gallon tank costs less than 1500 bucks. Owning a tank can pay for it's self in the first year. Upshot: Own your tank and shop around!
Posted by: Kim
Location: Michigan
on Dec 29, 2008 at 01:58 AM
Bobbie in Owosso: Our supplier told us that they are constantly purchasing more propane at todays lower prices to bring down their average propane inventory cost to protect themselves. To be fair with their customers, they are not sticking us with the higher price propane THEY DECIDED to buy last summer. Instead, they are blending the higher cost propane with the lower cost propane to give us a fair price that is lower than their prebuy customer price. At the same time, they are eating some of their profits which resulted from THEIR mistake. We feel this is fair. If your company is making you pay for their bad decision by charging you the exact prebuy contract price, you should be looking for another propane supplier. Kim
Posted by: chi50k
Location: Honolulu, hawaii
on Dec 28, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Aloha ,Hey gang ,I paid $4.79 gallon at City Mill this morning ...U-Haul $3.99 gallon, thats Propane..they say lucky u live Hawaii...sure we love to be gouged...
Posted by: Bobbie
Location: Owosso, MI
on Dec 26, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Here is the story I got when I called Northwest Energy. I was told that they bought a bunch from their suppliers during the summer, thinking that come winter the cost would be up and they would look really good. Instead, prices fell and they look terrible. They can't buy more at lower prices until they offload some of the expensive stuff onto the customers. I think they should eat the loss and chalk it up to a bad business decision. They are still charging $2.49 (locked in priced) a gallon while other companies in the area are charging $1.70. The early termination fee is $250 also, so if you want to get rid of them, it is going to cost you.
Posted by: Kerry
Location: Brookston, IN
on Dec 23, 2008 at 11:50 AM
My local Hicksgas was charging $2.39 a couple of months ago. I thought that was high so I checked around and found a farmer/propane guy that buys in bulk. He stated he could get it to me for 1.99 and loan me a tank for free. I took him up on the offer and he delivered last Friday and said propane had dropped to $1.60. Hicksgas is still charging $2.39 when I called to tell them to come get their tank. AMAZING!
Posted by: Richard
Location: Wolf Point, MT
on Dec 19, 2008 at 07:35 PM
According to this web site (http://www.oilnergy.com/1propane.htm)propane has dropped drastically and is now below 70 cents/gallon. Its criminal that these companies are still charging so much. Where I live there is only one propane supplier and they are a coop but even they are charging $1.60 a gallon. They all should be regulated to prevent them from overpricing especially when there is no competition.
Posted by: Jesse
Location: Mio, MI
on Dec 12, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Yesterday, Gaylord Gas delivered 350 gallons at $2.799 plus $5.00 admin fee. I called Amerigas, and they told me they would charge only $2.09/gal through June 30, with no tank rental fee. I originally picked Gaylord Gas because I thought they were a local company, but they're actually just a subsidiary of Inergy. Every time I press check, they are higher, so I guess it's time to switch.
Posted by: Brian
Location: Battle Creek, MI
on Dec 11, 2008 at 03:05 PM
I just received 158 gals at $2.60 per gallon. That was a pre-buy contract price. I too thought prices would be coming down below the pre-buy price but, doesn't seem to be the case. Has anyone found a reliable price finder on the Internet? I've checked a number of sites claiming to have pricing information but, nobody does. http://www.homeheatingoilprices.com has the makings of a great site with areas to find oil, natural gas and propane prices but, nobody posts any prices so, there are a ton of pages with no data. If you find one, please post!
Posted by: Margie
Location: Villas NJ
on Dec 5, 2008 at 06:29 AM
I am also a victim of Modern Gas Co.of Southern NJ and locked into a contract because of thier scare tactics and am forced to pay 3.69 a gallon with a 7.99 admin fee(delivery). With the price of fuel dropping, a rebate should be in order as I have been a customer for the past 12 years.I am definitely seeking other opitions for next season.I will check back periodically, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by: Barbara
Location: Cleveland Ga.
on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:24 AM
I do not understand why the propane gas companies (independent) are not lowering their propane gas prices. Gas is down low and I understand propane is a product of gasoline, if so why are the propane cos. still keeping it high? They are just not coming down.....I have a 500lb tank and it cost me over $900.00 to fill it weeks ago and it was not completely empty. Is this price gouging? Are you supposed to report this and to whom I believe I paid over $2.70 per gallon. I would like to know how to find out where to look up a fair gas price on the computer and also how to find what the fair price would be to pay. This part of the mountains seems to be extremly high. Thanks. Barb
Posted by: Joseph
Location: Swedesboro NJ
on Nov 29, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Hi, I also am a customer of Modern Gas in Southern NJ.I have been fighting with them over their prices for years.Just got 70 gallons today.$289.00.That's with a $7.99 administration fee they tack on at every fill up.I called several times last year, and accused them of price gouging. They dropped the price .40 per gallon for one fill up.$3.85 per gallon is off the wall.Plus they bought a small local company out about 7 years ago ,just so they could have the upper hand on the propane sales in this area.Kinda like comcast cable. All the government deregulation did was open up a fortune for the stronger companies to buy out the little guy.Modern also says that the tank is their's, and no one can put their propane in it.The tank was installed by the small company over 7 years ago.Now that Modern bought them out. They say it now belongs to them.All NJ residents that heat with propane, supplied by Modern Gas should join forces ,and fight this monster.I'm ready.Give us a break.
Posted by: Wade
Location: Bronson,Mi
on Nov 28, 2008 at 06:44 PM
juat had our tank filled with propane only 78.8 gals at the cost of 234.58 @ the cost of $279.9 a gal What a rip thats from Blue Flame Gas -Osseo I though the oil prices came down ?
Posted by: Roy Dymond
Location: Ishpeming MI
on Nov 24, 2008 at 01:47 PM
just recieved 200 gal bulk propane,bill came to $686.19 plus $6.35 HAZMAT fee plus $6.89 Fuel surcharge Total $699.43. the last I asked Ferrellgas the only way for me to get lower rates would to commit to using 2000 gal a year or more. I guess what this amounts to is the little guy in the community helps pay gas costs of businesses in area which adds up to the same ole corprate fleecing of Americans
Posted by: Mitch
Location: Saginaw
on Nov 22, 2008 at 07:07 PM
I became very frustrated with the propane supplier pricing rip off game. I decided to buy my own 500-gallon propane tank. Best decision I ever made and I save a TON of money on my propane. Since I own my tank, I am not held hostage by one company and forced to pay their high prices because they know I must buy propane from them because I lease their tank. I now call 3 or 4 propane suppliers and choose the supplier with the best deal. The lowest bidder wins my business for each delivery. No more "non-useage" and other bogus fees. Since the companies in my area know I can shop around for propane, I have found better service and consistently lower prices as suppliers are interested in working harder to keep my business. Propane tanks are not expensive to buy. Call around to find what tank purchase options are available from propane suppliers in your area. By the way, my former supplier decided to charge me significantly lower prices after I bought my own tank - interesting.
Posted by: will
Location: portland
on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Everyone is gouging right now. http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/oog/info/twip/twip_propane.html this site shows wholesale and average retail propane price. 246.5 av retail this week 241.2av retail same week last year 92.9 average wholesale this week 165.5 average wholesale last year this is a gov't site see for yourself
Posted by: Dora
Location: Imlay City
on Nov 17, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I just filed a complaint to the Better Business Bureau & the Attorney General's office about Northwest Energy. We use propane to heat our home, there is no natural gas service in my area. I hope everyone who has a legitimate complaint will file. We need to unite on a grass roots level to send a message, that these companies should be regulated just like utilities.
Posted by: Hector
Location: central PA
on Nov 11, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Those using Suburban had best watch out...they've recently instituted a tank rental charge--$72 tax/year for EACH tank you've got. This is on top of their outrageous price per gallon ($5.05 recently)
Posted by: Scott
Location: Plainwell
on Nov 9, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Another Ferrellgas story. I received a $175 invoice for no usage. I called and asked how I could get rid of this. I was told I could purchase my tank or order 200 gallons of gas. Received the gas on Friday, price $3.49 a gallon. As this price is about a $1.00 a gallon high it looks like I still paid the non usage fee. It looks like the best plan for anyone who has been cutting back would be to purchase a tank so that you can shop around when you need fuel.
Posted by: dale
Location: traverse city.mi
on Nov 8, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Out of the blue ferrow gas sent us a $175 charge for non-usage. Conserve energy and they come up way to charge the same as before. Need pricing reform.
Posted by: Shirl
Location: Albany, Indiana
on Nov 8, 2008 at 04:30 PM
We just about had our gas bill from last summer paid off,then a bill came for tank rental,thats ok, so was paying on that when a bill came for $199.00 for non usage?Is this blackmail to make people fill their tank?They will take it off if we agree to fill the tank. I can't do that till my bills pd. in full.Is this legal? They are doing this to everyone around here.
Posted by: Sue
Location: Lansing
on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I've got a real doozy! I called Ferrell Gas, as I have been a customer for 15 years. I ordered 200 gallons and paid for it by check over the phone. A few days later I found the receipt from the gas delivery guy on my door. He filled the tank up completely!! When I contacted Ferrelgas, they first tried to blame it on me stating that I ordered a full tank. I reminded them that I had prepaid for the 200 gallons I wanted. If I had wanted a full tank I would have ordered it to be filled. Then it was pretty much laid out that the driver may have messed up but I would need to pay the additional amount (for propane I didn't order and couldn't afford) immediately. I informed the person that I would pay for it when I could afford to, after all, it was THEIR error! They sent someone out to lock my tank!! If I wanted ANY of my propane, I was told that I needed to overnight the money or the tank would be locked. 15 years of business and that's the treatment you get???
Posted by: Jeremy
Location: Quarryville, PA
on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:17 AM
This is a great forum. The gouging must STOP NOW! Congress needs to create new laws regulating energy companies to prevent gouging. My last propane bill was $251.48. That was for 47.4 gallons at $5.15/gal! That is way too high. My previous bill, although for less gallons, was around the same price. Last time (and with every other bill since I started using Suburban Propane) I called to have them lower my cost, and they did... about 40 cents or so. LOL! Their excuse is that their price is based on usage? WHAT!? That's ridiculous! They have been gouging me since I first became a customer. First, they said that a separate tank was for cooking, when it is for a dryer. Then, it was the usage thing. This time, they've gone too far. I'm going to have them take the tank and demand a refund for the amount of propane that was in the tank before they filled it. If they try to implement a charge to take the tank, I will get a lawyer. Anyone else have problems with Suburban?
Posted by: Luis Ruiz
Location: Shohola, PA
on Sep 23, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Suburban is our supplier and they are billing us $57.80 for not using enough propane. I told them to stick iot and to remove their tanks as I am notunder contract. Is what they are doing legal??
Posted by: robert
Location: pittsford, mi
on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Just check all suppliers in your area and go with the lowest. With a cap. You will save big. The gas is all the same.
Posted by: George
Location: Michigan
on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Just bought propane, it was 2.90 a gallon. Getting ripped off it appears, as the last residential average propane price at the end of March 2008 (end of official heating season) was 2.41 a gallon. Here is the website that gives the average propane price during the heating season which ends the last week in March. Prices arent tracked again until the beginning of the new season in October. So I guess these propane companys get to charge whatever they feel. I am surprised the State of Michigan allows these people such lack of disclosure on pricing. http://www.cis.state.mi.us/mpsc/reports/shopp/
Posted by: watcher1
Location: charlotte
on Jul 7, 2008 at 06:26 AM
this doesn't suprise me at all! when i had furnace trouble a few years ago, these highwaymen not only charged me to 'red tag' the furnace(lock the tank so no propane would go to the furnace) but also to restore service. i can only say that other propane companies are more decent to work with!
Posted by: Diana
Location: Hanover
on Jul 4, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Does anyone know a website where you watch prices if they go up and down?? OR would that help the consumer to much!!!! (Like can you keep an eye on prices and call for gas when price is low??) I called Pearl Gas end of June thinking I would beat the price increase- not a chance, price just went up a couple days before, go figure so right now it is $3.19 gal - can't imagine how much in December????
Posted by: Page Landscape
Location: Farmington Hills, MI
on Apr 2, 2008 at 12:10 PM
You guys havn't heard anything yet! I just found out Amerigas (Waterford office) charged me $5.63/ gallon on 3/26/08 ! I checked my two previous bills and found they charged us $5.04/gal on 12/26/07, and $4.34/gal on 5/4/07. This almost goes beyond gouging to economic rape! I called and Sales Manager Dennis Mingle said "there had been some glitch and my recent bill should have been $2.89/gal, and he'd issue a credit. Said he thought they had called everyone, but must have missed us!" Right! Then he refused to adjust my previous bills. The Mich Public Service Commission website says the average price for propane for this past heating season was $2.49/gal.
Posted by: Jerry B.
Location: Traverse City
on Mar 22, 2008 at 12:17 AM
My propane bills are all over the board as well. The high this winter (so far)was in the $3.75 range (which I negotiated down over the telephone). It is funny how our current propane company brags about "service". By the looks of these posted comments, alot of us folks are getting "serviced". I found a new website www.LocalPropaneService.com that is supposed to have propane pricing information in the future.
Posted by: robert
Location: flint
on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:26 PM
reading all of the comments that people have sent sounds like its time to switch companies I've been with parker's propane in flint, bridgeport and now in howell for years the highest they got was 2.49 go to parkerspropane.com you can see 5 years of pricing why pay for the new customers gas everybody pays the same price no matter what size tank you have.
Posted by: chris
Location: jackson area
on Mar 10, 2008 at 02:19 PM
I am with Amerigas and my tank went empty on an 8 degree day. The leak test showed that thier regulator was leaking when they said I should have been at 30%. To make it up they charged me 2.88 a gallon and then took .32 off per gallon. Sounds like a sham to me. They even complained about not charging me the $200 special delivery fee even though I am on auto fill. Looks like price gouging on my fill to me.
Posted by: deb
Location: hillsdale
on Mar 7, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Blue Flame of Hillsdale did the exact samething, gas bill was $3.90, called they reduced it to $3.60 told them to come nad get my gas and water softern I get from them, they gave me the same .50 story per gallon to take it out... I will be calling the number listed in the article...SHAME on you !!!
Posted by: Matt
Location: Jackson mi
on Mar 7, 2008 at 06:19 AM
I have been a customer of Pearl Gas for four years now and I am very happy with there prices and service. Every year I get on there fixed price program and I call in for my gas when I am at 20%. They require 5 working days to fill my order as they have to work it into their schedule. I have a very fair price and will continue to be their customer for as long as I need propane.
Posted by: Patrick Apostol
Location: Manistee & Lansing
on Mar 5, 2008 at 04:58 PM
I called Amerigas last week for a fill at my up north house in Freesoil. $3.08 a gal. I called back to cancel and they lowered it 10%. The next day I called back again to change suppliers and they dropped to 2.26 a gal. What is it with these people???
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Jackson Mi
on Mar 5, 2008 at 01:50 PM
I am with Pearl Gas in Somerset Center Michigan and I was charged $3.299 a gallon for propane gas a few weeks ago. They are the worst company I have ever been with. They take to long for delivery & they dont return calls. I ran out of gas on a Sunday after calling them 5 days before that letting them know I was at 10% and I needed gas and no one ever showed up that week. I called that Sunday night to let them know I was at 1% or less and they tried to charge me $125.00 for a deliver charge. They dont show up knowing I was at 10% with a 3000sq ft home and they want to charge me. The month before I had to call them as well, I was getting low after calling them to let them know my percentage and it took them 7 days and 2 phone calls for a delivery. Horrible company and I would never recommend them to anyone. They are also affiliated with NWP and any one in this area that is a call in customer, I am sure was charged the same price. I am looking into how to report Pearl Gas also.You should 2
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 4, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Wow.. I was bummed when my price went to 2.549 this week. Up 15 cents from the beginning of February.Thats through Crystal Flash. I'm in Eaton County and have no lock in price (I missed it this summer) wish I hadn't.
Posted by: James A MacKeown Jr
Location: Cape May County NJ
on Mar 4, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Well well, looks like this $1.00 or more mark up is company wide as I am a customer of "Modern Gas" in NJ and they are one of Inergy's listed subsidiaries. In January 08 they drop shipped 100 gallons @ $3.89 per gallon because I did not like the way they wanted to carry forward a credit balance from a previous price lock contract to a new one. I elected to go with the market price. Now I see that a FAIR price might have been up to $3.00, but certainly not $3.89. I suspect that I will watch this situation unfold in your area and maybe follow Mr Friedman's case closely with the possibility of filing suite in NJ as well!
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 3, 2008 at 10:57 PM
I am a customer of NWE (Eaton County) and am retired and disabled with a fixed and very low income. Imagine how hard it was to make the decision whether or not to make my house payment, buy my medication and groceries when NWE presented me with a bill in February for nearly $900 for a "minimum" delivery (I believe that's approx. 1/4 of a tank.) and I had had the tank filled in January! Well..eating peanut butter every day isn't a joy. Living with pain and illness and no medication is really hard. I DO still have my home (for awhile)..but lucky me...I HAVE HEAT! My home is well insulated, I keep the temp at a cozy 64 degrees, I save up and run my dryer maybe twice a month and keep my showers to about 2 minutes..and have been paying NWE an average of $550 a month for their heat. I wonder..do they subscribe to their own service to keep their families warm? Where do I sign up to join in the class action? My "minimum" fill won't last til warm weather!
Posted by: Teri
Location: Webberville, MI
on Mar 3, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Does anyone know how to get ahold of Mr. Friedman, the lawyer in the report? He lives part time in Gaylord but I believe is out of New York.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 3, 2008 at 02:43 PM
richard,you should ask the price when you order next time. u can probably lock a price next winter,but thats risky too. Boone Pickins is betting on much lower oil price by late summer. by locking you take fluctuating prices out but also know prices might go down after you lock. dont expect gas co to know either. some in govt want to keep oil high as poss so alterative energys make better sense.
Posted by: Mike
Location: Eaton Rapids
on Mar 3, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Does anyone know how to contact Mr. Friedman to join the new class action? I have a client who has had two deliveries this year at $349/gallon up over $1.00 from past billings. This customer is a very high volume user as well, so that is not an excuse for the high increase.
Posted by: Richard
Location: Fowlerville
on Mar 2, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I too was a victom of NWE of Fowlerville. Just pryor to Christmas I orderd gas and to my shock it was $3.49.Upon talking to neighbors it was a dollar or more than they paid from their gas companies at unlocked in prices.I will not be a victom again to this company.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 2, 2008 at 08:02 AM
things like this just hurt the economy.it makes it very hard on people who need gas to heat ther homes.it is causing hunger.it may hurt the amounts people are able to spend on other need items.many home heating prices very and this should be checked into.is it not bad enough we pay the prices we do to drive?people should get there money back that were over charged,and compainies fined high costs.things like this hurt peoples lives.it may not be there concern that kids and eldery and many are going hungry,or how much this kind of action is hurting the economy.greed hurts all.I'm glad this was caught.now who will do something about it and let the fuel co know it is unexceptable.laws need put in place to stop this from happening.and if caught the punishment needs to be severe.we can not help this state or country get back on it's feet,when this happens by people greed.if they now loose bussiness it is no ones fault but their own.the prices are too high as it is.it needs stopped.asap.
Posted by: Kristy
Location: MI
on Mar 1, 2008 at 07:05 PM
I have always thought something was up with the Propane prices. Having the pre-buy option , so you can supposedly lock in the low prices for the season, when all that does is gives the Propane Company time to use your money before you even get the propane delivered. I would be all for calling for a Full investigation of this. As It seems that it is one of those things you seem helpless in, because they know you need their product, so they think that they can tag the prices to what they want, regardless of anything else.
Posted by: Kelli
Location: Albion
on Mar 1, 2008 at 11:03 AM
The same exact thing happened to me two months ago with Amerigas. They tried to charge me $3.39 a gallon for propane they delivered, up from $2.39 a month prior to that. I called and complained, saying exactly what the article said - they were price gouging me. I checked and the national average at the time was $2.39, and they wanted to charge me a dollar more than that. I couldn't believe it. Also like the article, since I hadn't locked in a price, I was pretty much at their mercy. I would like to get in on a class action lawsuit as well, if there is one being considered against Amerigas. This goes to show you need to call around in the spring and get a locked in price then for the upcoming winter - otherwise they can try and gouge you.
Posted by: Teri
Location: Webberville
on Mar 1, 2008 at 10:29 AM
This is response to price gouging by NWE. We were a customer of NWE through the Fowlerville location. We had a delivery made in November and they tried to charge us 3.299. We called around and the going price was 2.259. NWE refused to lower the price when we called because they said we did not use enough fuel. We told them to come and get the tank. We had 122 gallons in the tank when they delivered the fuel in November that we want to be paid for at the price we paid them for it at 2.499 on 12/26/06. We are starting to think that price was inflated also. Of course we have not heard from them after 2 attempts to get a response since Decmber.
Posted by: tom
Location: holt
on Mar 1, 2008 at 08:01 AM
when man becomes greedy,the end results are always bad.many have this thing about getting in on the action.every one else does attuide.not thinking how it is hurting people.they think they have the power to do as they please.oil prices are all over who can bid what.showing power.food prices are so out of hand we must start cutting back the amounts of grain and food we send to other countries.but what else can we do?till all countries get over this high oil bidding the usa is just going to have to say no.many people will suffer over this.but the usa is having there throats cut by greed of other countries.we do not need to be greedy to our own here in the states.we need to work together to help our own citizens.the usa has help other countries for yrs.without us many will not be so well off.hurting us is hurting them.we surely don't need to hurt people here in the states.profit is one thing as long as it is fair.but so many prices are so high.and it is hurting many.so wrong. |
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What is this Price Gouging "stuff"? Are you Karl Marx? If you don't like the freaking price, Don't Buy It!
There is this great site - lowermyheat.com, where you can run a free test and figure out if you're paying too much for oil and propane.
Response to Jeff in Idaho: Your propane company has done a fine job coaching you to publicly justify their high propane prices - safety, etc. Also, it is very noble of you to work for a company that underpays it's employees and operates trucks that get poor gas mileage. Are you bragging, complaining or asking for sympathy?
In Michigan I am getting lock in pricing for 1.49 till march2010 ferrellgas. I did go all electric in the house just like cars are going electric. Only heat with propane and use electric heaters in the spring and fall when prices get over $2.00 a gallon seems to work for me.
I work for a national propane provider. Reading all comments, I understand the irritations that people have with propane. Propane is a commodity just like the gasoline you put in your car. We all complain about the price of gasoline, that's a real GOUGE, and we send our money to the middle east, think about that one!! As with any commodity, transportation raises the cost. Truck diesel is $2.79 a gallon, the delivery truck get an average of 5.5 miles per gallon, they have to have the engine running to pump the fuel into your propane tank. The fuel drivers, which are trained to deliver your product with upmost safety to you and your families, and work with a hazardous product daily, earn less than $30,000 a year. The economy being as it is, we all have to watch "our pennies", the companies who gouge put a bad taste in everyones mouth. They offer a "first fill that is almost unbelievable. Wait for your next fill, Vasoilne will be needed. Ask a dairy farmer how much he got for his milk.
WOW I am really glad I read this. I almost signed a contract with Northwest Energy. They are offering a really good deal for new customers. But buyer beware. They make you sign a 2 year contract. They probably stick it to you in the second year.
try Baker's Propane call 517-250-4271 ask for Don they have low prices and are ready to service
HI.. YOU THINK AMERIGAS SCREWED YOU CK THIS OUT.. FERRELL GAS DELIVERED 121.7 GAL'S TO ME TODAY 6/4/09 526.74 INCLUDING SURCHARGES THAT IS 4.21 PER GALLON.. HOW DO THEY JUSTIFY THESE CHARGES
Just bought 77.2 gallons of propane from the local AmeriGas. They charged $3.65 per gallon!!! I just checked, and the highest wholesale propane has been is $2.00 in the last 12 months, so there is no way AmeriGas ever paid even close to what they are charging for it. It's 72 cents now, wholesale. Last year the tank was filled up at $2.19 a gallon!!! I thought AmeriGas was supposed to be the most reputable company? I guess not!!! Gas is $2.49 a gallon now. Who does AmeriGas think they are? Saudi Arabia?
Where can I buy a bulk 500 gallon propane tank in Michigan? Ferrellgas just screwed me big time, I am ending my relatonship and want to buy my own tank. I can't find a propane company that will sell me one near here. tried Ferrellgas, Parker, Amerigas. Where else can I try to buy my own tank? thanks
We moved from a single family home to a mobile home park unit. We now pay for the gas that we use instead of buying propane for the big tank we had in front of our house. This is called metered gas. This is alot easier to pay since we get smaller even bills every month. Was looking for propane price information on internet and found a website with some good information on propane pricing www.propane-prices.com.
Why is auto propane for my motor home's 10 US Gallon tank (heating, cooking, and fridge) twice the price in the US as in Canada while Canadian gasoline is twice the US price? I'm traveling and just paid $4 a gallon for propane in Palm Springs, CA. It was well over $3 around San Jose, CA. I'm glad I didn't convert to propane for propulsion, I'd be drifting backwards! My consumption seems small compared to your heating bills but it still bothered me enough to try to discover why - no luck yet. Obviously something is wrong with propane pricing in the US for it to be double the Canadian price which also includes taxes not charged in the US. Someone mentioned deregulation which could explain the outrageous propane pricing now happening.
same thing by intergy in lake ms. they want pay me what i paid them for the gas
If the market price for propane is in the seventy cent range, why has it taken so long for prices to come down?
UNTIL WE PEOPLE GET TOGETHER, FILE TOGETHER WITH AN ATTORNEY OR GROUP OF ATTORNIES WHO ARE WILLING TO GO AFTER THESE PROPANE GAS COMPANIES, WE WILL HAVE TO SHUT UP AND TAKE IT EVERYWHERE WE HAVE. MAY BE WE COULD HELP ONE ANOTHER BUY A TANK, ONE AFTER ANOTHER UNTIL WE ALL OWN OUR TANKS, THEN DO YOU THINK THE PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE A CHANCE TO GET A FAIR DEAL???? I AM TIRED OF NOT GETTING A MONTHLY STATEMENT DETAILING EACH AND EVERY CHARGE THAT'S AGAINST MY ACCOUNT. THESE COMPANIES THINK WE ARE ALL STUPID COWS AND WILL GO ALONG FOREVER CAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH SENSE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THEM. MY PAYMENTS ARE SENT OUT A WEEK AND ARE NOT BEING POSTED UNTIL AFTER THE DUE DATE AND I'M TOLD THE "CARRYING CHARGES" HAVE TO BE PAID, WHAT ARE THEY? LATE FEES, INTEREST AND WHO KNOWS? I DON'T BECAUSE IT'S NOT IMPORTANT ENOUGHT TO PUT ON MY STATEMENT WHICH I DO NOT RECEIVE UNLESS I RAISE A STINK, THEN IT'S STILL NOT UNDERSTANDABLE. EVERYONE IN GOVT HAS TO BE GETTING KICKBACK THATS WHY NO INTEREST