State of Emergency Declared in Oklahoma due to Propane Shortage

Fallin Declares a State of Emergency for Oklahoma as Propane Shortage Bites

Governor Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency due to the depleted supply of propane in Oklahoma.

The order waives the state licensing requirements for out-of-state propane transporters allowing them to bring propane into Oklahoma because of the fuel shortage throughout the state.

Oklahoma has experienced a spike in demand for propane gas both for residential and commercial deliveries due to multiple winter storms that have caused extreme winter conditions, dumping massive amounts of snow and freezing rain across the state.

Many Oklahomans in rural areas depend on propane deliveries for heating and cooking.

“This executive order [effective through February 4] will help make sure that there is enough of a propane supply in the days and weeks ahead until problems are resolved,” said Fallin.

Executive Orders Issued by 14 other Governors amid Fuel Shortages

Governors in at least 14 other states—Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico and Vermont—have issued similar executive orders waving requirements for truck drivers concerning the number of hours and consecutive days they can transport propane into their states, according to reports.