NJ Gov Murphy Declares State of Emergency for Propane Shortage

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency (Executive Order No. 408) as of 9am Friday due to a service disruption at a Marcus Hook propane distribution plant at Marcus Hook, PA. Murphy says that 186,000 New Jerseyans rely on propane for home heating – the State of Emergency is to ensure that they can continue to receive it without interruption. The Executive Order expands delivery capabilities.

The State of Emergency will remain in place until it is determined that an emergency no longer exists.

Additional information from NJ Gov. Murphy:

“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” said Governor Murphy. “I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This Executive Order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”

Under a federal waiver available during a declared State of Emergency, the maximum driving time for operators of commercial motor carriers transporting propane is extended from 11 hours to 14 hours, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between driving time.

The Governor encourages New Jerseyans who may be impacted to visit ready.nj.gov for important updates and safety information and NJ211 for information on resources and warming centers.

Residents using generators to warm their homes should follow generator safety tips.

From the National Propane Gas Association:

On November 19th, 2025, an electric transformer at Marcus Hook Terminal suffered an incident which disabled the propane truck-loading rack for three days, and created lingering problems at the terminal. Since then, Energy Transfer Partners, the operator of the terminal, has been unable to pump propane from its storage caverns.