Canadian propane costs soar due to supply chain issues
There are 1.5 million households in Canada that rely on propane for heating.
Now those homeowners will have to pay a lot more to stay warm this winter following a price hike in propane costs.
A couple from Ennismore, Ont., north of Peterborough, has to get their propane tank filled about four times a year and they recently got their new propane fixed billing contract.
The price last year was 67 cents per litre for propane. The new price is 86 cents -- about 28 per cent higher.
The increase means they’ll end up spending $300 a month on propane, almost double the $176 they are used to paying.
“As seniors and someone with a disability, we feel we can't handle that type of increase," Warren Bussey told CTV News Toronto.
RELATED: Tips for saving on your heating bill as gas prices spike
The couple says with inflation, increasing food prices, gas and other items, they're having a hard enough time paying their bills as it is.
“It's pushing us over the edge. I can't sleep at night. I worry about what's going to happen to us," Jacki Cumming said.
In a statement to CTV News Toronto, Teresa Crosato, senior manager of marketing communications with Superior Propane, (which services the home) said the price increase is the “reality” across the energy sector.
"Increased demand is outpacing supply which in turn is raising energy prices around the world.” Crosato said. "Price increases are impacting not just propane but also furnace oil, gasoline and diesel. Increased demand is outpacing supply which in turn is raising energy prices around the world.”
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
Shannon Watt with the Canadian Propane Association said it’s hearing from concerned homeowners about the price hike and is calling on provincial governments to bring in rebate programs to help propane users get through the winter.
“Propane is not immune to inflationary pressures that we are seeing elsewhere. I would recommend that consumers who are concerned about this winter heating season to be reaching out to their politicians."
Bussey and Cumming say they're not sure how they'll be able to afford their propane costs and are hoping the government will bring in a plan to help them stay warm this winter.
Meanwhile, the Alberta government has introduced a rebate program to help people pay their energy bills. The Propane Association says it's hoping Ontario can introduce something similar to help customers deal with the price hikes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Michael Cohen takes the stand as testimony in Trump hush money case enters 4th week
The star prosecution witness in Donald Trump's hush money trial is set to take the stand Monday with testimony that could help shape the outcome of the first criminal case against an American president.
Canucks' Zadorov fined $5,000 for post-game crosscheck on Oilers' McDavid
A Vancouver Canucks defenceman has been given the highest possible fine under the NHL's collective bargaining agreement after a scrum broke out at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers Sunday night.
'Be very, very careful': Wildfire conditions 'still extreme,' says Alberta fire chief
As wildfire conditions remain 'extreme' in northern Alberta, residents are being urged to be extra cautious and follow a fire ban.
Steve Buscemi punched in the face while walking in N.Y.C.
Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi has been treated for injuries after being punched in the face while walking in New York City.
Air quality advisories issued in 5 provinces, 1 territory
Air quality advisories are in effect across Western Canada as smoky conditions plague some areas, according to the latest forecasts. Here's where.
Jerry Seinfeld speech prompts pro-Palestinian demonstration at U.S. university graduation ceremony
A tiny contingent of Duke University graduates opposed pro-Israel comedian Jerry Seinfeld speaking at their commencement in North Carolina Sunday, with about 30 of the 7,000 students leaving their seats and chanting "free Palestine" amid a mix of boos and cheers.
Police release 3D images of young child found in an Ontario river two years ago
Police have released a three-dimensional image of a young child whose remains were discovered in the Grand River in Dunnville, Ont. almost two years ago.
Just how bad are ultraprocessed foods? Here are 5 things to know
Many foods fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, depending on their exact ingredients. This type of food has been studied a lot lately, and the results aren’t great.
Irving Oil former president dies at age 93
Arthur L. Irving, chairman emeritus and former president of Irving Oil, has died at the age of 93.