Propane Production

Most propane (also known as liquefied petroleum gas or LPG) consumed in the United States is domestically produced. It is a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, with approximately equal amounts of production derived from each of these sources.

The natural gas liquid components recovered during processing include ethane, methane, propane, and butane, as well as heavier hydrocarbons. Propane and butane, along with other gases, are also produced during crude oil refining. Because propane boils at -44°F and ethane boils at -127°F, propane is separated from methane by increasing pressure and decreasing temperature.

Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is investigating production of biopropane.

To learn how propane is distributed from production facilities to fueling stations, see the Propane Distribution section.