Retracing the History of Propane

Although it is still growing in popularity, Tucson propane already has a rich history to enjoy. From its initial conception to the birth and growth of the propane industry, this alternative fuel source has certainly come a long way. Feel free to continue on if you are interested in retracing the history of propane.

1910-1950

Propane was discovered from gasoline in 1910 by a chemist named Dr. Walter O. Snelling. Propane hit the commercial market two years later, and Dr. Snelling sold his patent in 1913. The early twentieth century saw propane used in blowtorches for metal cutting, and between 1922 and 1925 sales jumped from 223,000 gallons to 404,000 gallons in the US. Propane continued to blossom throughout the 20s and 30s, and by 1950 it fueled hundreds of taxis in Milwaukee.

1955-1981

In 1955 it was found that propane equipment could survive atomic explosions. Millions of propane installations could be found in the U.S. by 1961, at which point several billion gallons of propane were sold each year. Although the U.S. government began controlling propane prices in 1973, President Ronald Reagan lifted government control of propane as well as crude oil and gasoline in 1981.

1987-Today

The National Propane Gas Association was born out of the National Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association in 1987. The 1990s saw propane approved as an alternative fuel as well as the authorization of the Propane Education and Research Council. As of 2004, Americans used 15 billion gallons of propane each year in industry as well as the home.

If you would like to see for yourself how far propane has come, call Barnett’s Propane at (520) 628-8525. We specialize in propane delivery in Tucson. If you would like to learn more about our services, please feel free to visit our website or call our Sierra Vista location at (520) 458-4541 today.