Delivered propane usually costs $2.50-$4.50 per gallon for a residential bulk-tank refill, with a typical 200-gallon delivery totaling about $500-$900 before unusual fees. The cost of propane delivered depends on location, order size, seasonal demand, tank access, and whether the supplier owns the tank or charges a delivery fee.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential bulk propane | $1.80/gal | $3.25/gal | $5.50/gal | Typical range for tank delivery; local quotes vary |
| 100-gallon delivery | $180 | $325 | $550 | Before possible delivery or minimum-order fees |
| 200-gallon delivery | $360 | $650 | $1,100 | Common refill size for a residential tank |
| Small cylinder exchange | $20 | $30 | $45 | Usually a 20-pound grill cylinder |
What a residential propane tank refill usually costs
For bulk residential delivery, many households pay $2.50-$4.50 per gallon, with an estimated midpoint near $3.25. At that rate, 100 gallons cost about $250-$450, 200 gallons cost $500-$900, and 300 gallons cost $750-$1,350. These totals assume a standard scheduled delivery and no separate tank rental, leak test, or special-access charge.
For a typical 200-gallon order, budgeting $500-$900 is a practical starting point. A 500-gallon tank does not normally take 500 gallons at one refill: suppliers leave room for vapor expansion and commonly fill to about 80% capacity. Its maximum practical fill is therefore roughly 400 gallons, subject to the tank’s current level and delivery rules.
Prices are commonly quoted per delivered gallon, but the billed amount depends on the gallons actually pumped. Some suppliers set a minimum delivery, such as 100 gallons, or charge a fee if the customer orders less. Ask whether the advertised rate includes delivery, taxes, and any account or tank charges.
Assumptions: Residential bulk tank, scheduled route delivery, ordinary truck access, and standard-grade propane; local prices and taxes can differ.
How gallons, labor, and tank fees shape the quote
A delivery quote can combine the fuel rate with service charges. In a straightforward refill, the fuel itself is usually the largest expense. Fees become more noticeable on a small order, a first delivery, or a visit that requires work beyond pumping propane.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it may cover | When it applies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane fuel | $2.50-$4.50 per gallon | Delivered bulk propane | Every refill; negotiated or plan rates vary |
| Small-order fee | $25-$100 per visit | Extra cost below the supplier’s minimum | Often when ordering under 100 gallons |
| Tank rental | $50-$150 per year | Supplier-owned tank use | May be waived with a usage commitment |
| Leak or safety test | $75-$200 | Inspection and system testing | After an interruption, new service, or suspected leak |
| After-hours delivery | $100-$300 extra | Urgent or out-of-route truck visit | Emergency requests and limited schedules |
Delivery charges are not standardized. One supplier may include truck service in its per-gallon rate, while another lists a separate fee. Tank ownership also matters: a leased tank can come with service requirements or minimum purchases, whereas an owned tank may allow more supplier choice but can require an inspection before a new company fills it.
Compare the delivered total, not just the advertised gallon price. For a 60-gallon order at $3.00 per gallon, a $50 small-order charge raises the effective cost from $3.00 to about $3.83 per gallon. A supplier that quotes $3.35 with no fee could be less expensive overall.
Bulk delivery usually has no separate hourly labor line, but inspection, repair, or emergency service can add labor. If a technician bills $75-$150 per hour for one to two hours, troubleshooting may add $75-$300 before parts or testing charges.
Which tank size, order amount, and access conditions change the price?
Order volume is one of the clearest cost drivers. A 50-gallon top-off can trigger a minimum or per-stop fee, while a 150-250-gallon order may qualify for the supplier’s standard route rate. A larger order can lower the effective cost per gallon, but filling more than the household can safely store or use ties up cash and may not be allowed by the tank’s fill limit.
Tank capacity affects how much can be delivered at one visit, not just the total bill. A 120-gallon tank generally holds about 96 gallons at the 80% fill limit; a 500-gallon tank holds about 400 gallons. The truck fills to the safe level based on the gauge reading, so a nearly full tank may accept far fewer gallons than its rated capacity.
Location and access can also change a quote. Rural homes far from a supplier’s route may face higher rates or minimums; a blocked driveway, steep grade, long hose run, or inaccessible tank can require a special appointment. A hose run of 100 feet or more may exceed a company’s standard setup, so confirm distance limits before scheduling.
Tank size sets the possible delivery volume, while order size and access determine the effective rate. Ask the supplier what minimum applies, whether the delivery truck can reach the tank, and whether any hose-length or off-route charge is triggered.
A customer-owned tank can attract a separate inspection or qualification charge when changing suppliers. If the tank has been out of service, a pressure test, leak check, or system inspection may be required before delivery. These costs are separate from propane and should appear clearly on the estimate.
How to lower the delivered propane bill without risking a shortage
Request a quote before the tank reaches a critical level. A scheduled route delivery is generally less expensive than an emergency visit, and ordering enough to meet the supplier’s standard minimum can avoid a small-load charge. Customers should still leave a safety reserve, especially during cold weather when usage can rise quickly.
Compare at least two or three written quotes using the same gallon amount and fee assumptions. Ask for the per-gallon price, minimum order, delivery fee, annual tank rent, taxes, and any automatic-delivery or price-plan charges. A low introductory rate is not necessarily the lowest annual cost if it requires a long contract or high fixed fees.
Automatic delivery can help prevent runouts, but the supplier’s estimated schedule and pricing terms should be checked. Some plans use degree days or past usage to estimate when to refill; actual consumption can differ after a cold snap or a change in occupancy. Confirm whether the plan includes a price cap, service fee, or required annual purchase.
Customers with owned tanks can ask whether another supplier will fill them and whether a safety inspection is needed. For rented tanks, compare the annual rental against any fuel-price discount or service benefits. Avoid paying for a larger tank or premium plan unless the household’s usage and delivery schedule justify it.
Regional propane prices vary between rural and metro markets
Delivered propane prices differ by state and even between nearby towns. Rural customers may pay 5%-20% more than customers on dense delivery routes when distance and fewer competing suppliers raise operating costs. In some markets, higher local competition or a nearby terminal can instead make rural service comparable to suburban pricing.
As a rough planning comparison, a market quoting $3.00 per gallon would mean $600 for 200 gallons. A 10% premium raises the rate to $3.30 per gallon and the same order to $660; a 20% premium makes it $3.60 per gallon, or $720. These comparisons illustrate the effect of a percentage change, not guaranteed regional rates.
State and local taxes, transportation distance, storage capacity, and supplier availability all affect the final quote. In areas with few propane companies, a customer may have less choice of delivery schedules or contract terms. In a metro area, a shorter route does not guarantee a lower price if local fuel costs or company fees are higher.
Use nearby quotes for the same gallons to judge whether a regional rate is competitive. Online averages can help set expectations, but they may not include delivery minimums, tank rent, or local surcharges. A quote from a supplier serving the exact address is more useful for budgeting.
When minimums, emergency calls, or tank checks add charges
Small deliveries often cost more per gallon because the truck and driver make a trip regardless of the volume pumped. A supplier might require a 100-gallon minimum or add $25-$100 for a smaller order. If the tank can safely accept more, scheduling a larger refill may reduce the effective per-gallon cost.
Runouts can trigger expenses beyond the propane itself. The supplier may charge $100-$300 for an urgent or after-hours visit, then require a leak test or appliance relight before service resumes. A leak or system test can add roughly $75-$200, depending on the work and local labor rates.
Tank replacement, regulator repair, or a new service line is not part of a basic refill. A regulator replacement may run about $150-$400 installed, while a new or replacement residential tank can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on capacity, installation, excavation, and whether it is aboveground or underground. Obtain a separate written estimate for this work.
Ask the dispatcher to list every charge that could apply before accepting an urgent delivery. If the tank is empty, confirm whether the supplier can deliver immediately and what safety steps are required to restart appliances. Do not attempt to repair a gas leak or relight equipment when a leak is suspected.
Three delivery examples show how order size changes the total
A small scheduled top-off might include 60 gallons at $3.25 per gallon, or $195 in fuel, plus a $40 small-order charge. The total is $235, equal to about $3.92 per delivered gallon. This example assumes standard access and no tank rent or inspection.
A standard refill could be 200 gallons at $3.15 per gallon, totaling $630 with delivery included in the rate. At a higher local rate of $4.10 per gallon, the same amount costs $820. These figures exclude annual rental, taxes where applicable, and any price-plan fee.
A remote home might order 250 gallons at $3.70 per gallon, or $925, plus a $75 off-route fee. The total is $1,000, or $4.00 per gallon after the fee. If access requires an added inspection or a longer appointment, that work may appear separately rather than in the fuel quote.
These examples show why a fee-adjusted per-gallon figure is useful when comparing offers. Divide the full delivered bill by the gallons pumped, then compare that result for the same order size and service conditions.
Why winter timing can raise the per-gallon quote
Prices often rise during periods of high heating demand, especially when cold weather increases household consumption and delivery schedules fill up. Seasonal changes are not identical across the country: local supply, wholesale costs, weather, and competition can outweigh the calendar. A winter quote may also include an urgent-service premium if the tank is nearly empty.
Some suppliers offer summer fills, fixed-price contracts, or capped-price plans. A summer purchase can reduce winter exposure if the household has enough tank capacity and cash to buy early, but the upfront bill is larger. Contract plans may include an enrollment fee, minimum gallons, or a price that is higher than a favorable spot quote.
Compare the plan’s total annual cost rather than assuming an early fill always saves money. Ask whether the rate is fixed, capped, or variable, and whether the agreement charges for unused gallons or early termination. Review the delivery fee and tank terms along with the advertised price per gallon.
Households that depend on propane for heat should monitor the gauge and arrange delivery before demand peaks. Keeping a reserve reduces the chance of a runout, when a higher emergency charge and possible system check can make a low remaining balance more expensive than a routine refill.