Residents in North Carolina and along the East Coast are increasingly anxious about delays in propane deliveries from AmeriGas, especially as harsh winter weather looms on the horizon.
This situation is becoming critical: many homes depend on propane for heating, and with the cold months upon us, the stakes have never been higher.
On February 4, 2026, WRAL News reported on this pressing issue, highlighting the plight of residents like Joseph Folk, a 79-year-old man residing in Colvard Farms. He has been closely monitoring his thermostat, noting that he’s down to just 100 gallons of propane. "Out of 1,000 gallons, I have 100 left," he shared. Folk was expecting a delivery from AmeriGas several days ago, with a promised window that concluded on February 2.
Unfortunately, that delivery never arrived. "I received no updates beyond a message saying they tried to deliver but were unsuccessful," he expressed, clearly frustrated. Despite several attempts to contact customer service, Folk has been met with vague responses and endless hold times, leaving him and his wife, also 79, increasingly worried about their dwindling fuel supply. "You call, you’re put on hold, and they say they’ll get back to you. But no one ever does," he lamented.
To complicate matters further, state regulations in North Carolina prevent customers from having their propane tanks filled by companies other than the original supplier. This law is designed to protect the investments made by propane providers in their tanks. The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services explains that a company must earn a return on its investment in the tanks, which often includes charging rent if certain purchasing thresholds aren't met.
As a result, when Folk reached out to other propane suppliers—some of whom offered prices over $1 per gallon lower than AmeriGas—he was unable to obtain service. Current average propane prices hover around $3.40, per the Energy Information Administration, but some competitors were quoting prices below $3 per gallon.
Folk's frustrations echo those of many others who have taken to social media to voice their displeasure regarding delayed deliveries. John Prince, another resident of Durham County, reported similar problems with AmeriGas. He expected an automatic delivery in late January but found himself in a chilling situation: "The house is only 60 degrees, and we have no hot water for showers," he said.
Moreover, Danielle Ratcliffe, a mother from Charlotte, placed an order online on January 19 but still found herself without heat or propane by February 3, despite being assured of timely delivery. "I received an estimated delivery window of January 26 to January 29, but those days passed without any communication from AmeriGas," she recounted.
Additionally, Navarrie Southerland from Asheville ordered propane on January 16 when her tank level dipped to 30%. She was promised delivery between January 23 and January 26 but began reaching out for updates when that timeframe passed. Ultimately, after three frustrating days without any delivery, she canceled her order and now finds herself scrambling for propane as her tank level drops to 10%.
In response to these mounting delays, WRAL News contacted AmeriGas to probe the reasons behind the disruptions. Company representatives attributed the issues to a surge in demand for service coupled with challenging weather conditions affecting deliveries throughout the nation. They stated that additional drivers have been recruited from various regions to help alleviate the backlog.
"Our delivery trucks are significantly larger and heavier than standard vehicles, so ensuring clear access is crucial for safe deliveries," AmeriGas explained in a statement. The company emphasized that the safety of both drivers and customers remains their top priority. They also encouraged customers to clear pathways for efficient deliveries and to order propane well in advance.
Historically, AmeriGas has faced scrutiny over its delivery practices. Reports from WRAL News in previous years noted numerous complaints regarding delivery delays, leading to intervention by the state Attorney General’s Office, which has received multiple grievances since January 2022 alone.
To mitigate their risks, customers are advised to monitor their propane levels closely and request refills once their gauge hits 30%.
In conclusion, the ongoing issues with AmeriGas highlight a significant challenge for many homeowners in North Carolina, raising questions about reliability and customer service in the propane industry. With winter weather intensifying, will these delays lead to even greater consequences for those relying on such vital heating sources? What do you think about the handling of this situation? Are there solutions that could improve service and accountability? Share your thoughts in the comments.
