New Jersey Takes Emergency Action to Protect Residents as Propane Deliveries Slow

As winter approaches, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has taken urgent action to address propane fuel supply issues. On Thursday, December 12, 2025, Murphy announced a State of Emergency to ease distribution and prevent propane-dependent citizens from facing life-threatening shortages in colder winter.

A power outage at a massive propane distribution complex in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, in late November cut propane supply to delivery terminals across the region, causing the emergency declaration. That interruption has raised truck terminal wait times and constricted the supply chain as heating fuel demand rises.

New Jersey can temporarily raise propane commercial motor carrier driving hours from 11 to 14 hours per day under the executive mandate. Drivers require 10 hours off between shifts. This extended window allows fuel providers to make critical deliveries despite terminal wait delays.

Preventive measures are taken before shortages rather than after large residential outages, officials said. A minimum of 186,000 New Jersey families heat using propane, mostly in areas without natural gas. These residents need a constant propane supply as winter weather worsens and overnight lows freeze.

Governor Murphy declared an emergency to keep homes warm and safe. He said the order will remain until officials get propane delivery under control and can resume activity. State officials warn homeowners using generators to take safety precautions in chilly weather.

After the Marcus Hook incident, this state action encourages regional propane delivery. National business groups said a transformer malfunction at the port delayed operations, underlining the necessity for coordinated responses across states with common energy infrastructure.

For propane users, the state has taken emergency measures to boost distribution capacity and reduce heating disruption this winter. Officials advise households to monitor gasoline supplies, organize early deliveries, and stay informed through local public safety services as conditions change.

Sources:

The New Jersey Governor’s Office declared a propane shortage emergency on December 11, 2025.
Regional and NBC reporters analyze propane distribution and state response.
Regional Marcus Hook propane terminal supply interruption update