Atorney General announces probe into rising propane costs

(From Attorney General Chris Koster)

Attorney General Chris Koster announced his office is investigating the cause of the recent rise in the price of propane gas, and will issue a report when the inquiry is complete. On January 24, 2014, Koster received a request from Senator Mike Parson to conduct an investigation, and forty consumers have filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division about the increased costs. Consumers indicate that the price charged for propane gas increased from approximately $1.94 in December, 2013, to approximately $5.00 in recent days.

"Missourians are justifiably concerned about the dramatic increase in propane prices, affecting their ability to heat their homes and care for Missouri-based livestock," Koster said. "I want to thank Senator Mike Parson and many others who have highlighted this important issue and brought these complaints to our office. We are currently investigating all complaints, and working with businesses and agencies in 9 other states across the Midwest to determine the cause of these price increases."

On January 24, 2014, consumer investigators with Attorney General’s Office participated in a multi-state conference call with representatives of the propane gas industry. Distributors and analysts have pointed to a sharp increase in the export of propane and substantially higher consumption this winter, which may have created a corresponding shortfall in the supply of domestic propane.