TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey is under a State of Emergency due to a propane shortage.
The state of emergency went into effect at 9 a.m. Friday, according to a news release on the state’s website.
Impacts on the delivery of propane for home and commercial heating purposes are expected due to a service disruption at a major propane distribution plant in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, the state said.
An incident reduced the facility’s ability to fill bulk propane haulers, according to an article on the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association website.
The delays became a supply-chain concern as temperatures dropped, creating unusually long wait times for carriers attempting to load product, according to the article.
Executive Order No. 408 allows for a statewide exemption on hours-of-service regulations concerning the transportation of residential heating fuel, according to the news release on New Jersey’s website.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” said Gov. Phil 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 state said.
The state said Executive Order No. 408 will remain in effect until it is determined that an emergency no longer exists.
Murphy is encouraging 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.
The state says residents using generators to warm their homes should follow generator safety tips.
Pennsylvania is also taking steps to address the issue, though it is not under a state of emergency.
PennDOT issued a temporary waiver extending intrastate hours-of-service limits for bulk propane transport, according to the article from the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association website.
The action—Waiver 2025-03—was signed by PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll on Dec. 10 and remains in effect through December 24, 2025.
The article said the key provisions include:
Extending the 11-hour driving limit to 12 hours,
Allowing drivers to remain on duty for up to 16 hours, and
Maintaining safety protections by prohibiting use of the waiver by drivers who have reached 70 hours in 7 days or 80 hours in 8 days.