Southern States propane refill prices vary by location, tank size, and whether the service is a walk-in cylinder refill or a home delivery. A typical grill-tank refill may run about $18-$30, while delivered residential propane commonly costs $2.25-$4.00 per gallon before any tank or delivery fees.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-lb grill cylinder refill | $18 | $24 | $30 | Usually priced by gallons dispensed |
| 100-gallon residential delivery | $225 | $300 | $400 | About $2.25-$4.00 per gallon |
| 500-gallon residential delivery | $1,125 | $1,500 | $2,000 | Before possible service charges |
| New portable cylinder | $45 | $65 | $90 | Tank purchase, not propane fill |
What Southern States propane refills usually cost
A standard 20-pound grill cylinder holds about 4.7 gallons when filled to the normal 80% capacity. At an estimated local refill rate of $3.75-$6.40 per gallon, the propane portion comes to roughly $18-$30; the exact bill depends on the store’s posted rate and the amount needed.
Home deliveries use a different pricing model. A household ordering 100 gallons might pay about $225-$400 for fuel, while a 500-gallon order could total $1,125-$2,000 before fees. Assumptions: common U.S. retail rates, standard residential propane, normal access, and no unusual service charge.
For an accurate Southern States quote, confirm the local branch’s current per-gallon rate and minimum order. The cooperative serves multiple markets, so one store’s price should not be treated as a systemwide rate.
How fuel, delivery, and tank work shape the bill
For a portable cylinder, the main charge is the propane dispensed. Home-service quotes can also include delivery, account, tank, or safety-related charges. The table gives planning ranges rather than fixed Southern States fees; local terms vary.
| Quote item | Typical range | What changes the price | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propane fuel | $2.25-$4.00 per gallon delivered | Market, season, order size | Gallons delivered |
| Portable-cylinder fill | $3.75-$6.40 per gallon | Store location and fill volume | Gallons dispensed |
| Delivery or minimum charge | $0-$100 | Route, urgency, small order | Per visit or order |
| Tank rental or service | $0-$200 per year | Ownership and account terms | Annual or service fee |
| Tank installation | $300-$1,500 | Tank size, line length, site work | Project total |
Fuel is only one part of a delivered-propane quote. Ask whether the estimate includes taxes, delivery, tank rent, regulator work, and minimum-fill requirements.
Why tank size and order volume change the refill price
Portable-cylinder fills are straightforward to compare by gallons. A partly full 20-pound cylinder may take only 2-3 gallons, so its bill can be lower than a full refill. Exchange programs may charge a flat amount but can leave less propane than a full refill.
Residential tanks are often 120, 250, or 500 gallons, but they are not normally filled to capacity. A 500-gallon tank is generally filled to about 400 gallons at the 80% limit. At $2.25-$4.00 per gallon, a 100-gallon delivery costs approximately $225-$400, while a 300-gallon delivery costs about $675-$1,200.
Order size matters because a small delivery may trigger a minimum charge or a higher effective price per gallon. Tank capacity, current fuel level, and access for the truck all affect the gallons a supplier can deliver.
What location, season, and access can add
Local rates reflect regional wholesale supply, competition, and delivery distance. Rural customers may see higher trip charges or minimums than customers near a distribution route. Within a region, a remote tank or difficult truck access can also increase the quote.
Winter demand can push delivered propane rates roughly 10%-30% above a mild-season quote in some markets. Emergency delivery may cost an additional $50-$150, especially during severe weather or outside normal business hours. Comparing the same order size and delivery terms is essential when checking local prices.
How much do labor and installation add?
Portable-cylinder refills generally require no customer-paid installation labor. Residential tank setup is different: a technician may place the tank, connect piping, test the system, and coordinate required inspections. Common labor rates are about $75-$125 per hour, with a simple installation often taking 3-6 hours.
At those rates, labor alone can be about $225-$750, before materials, equipment, permits, or excavation. Long gas lines, difficult grading, or a tank location far from the home can raise the total. Request separate labor and material amounts rather than relying only on a single project total.
Three Southern States-style refill quotes to compare
These examples use planning rates, not published branch quotes. The actual Southern States location may charge more or less, and residential delivery may have a minimum order.
| Scenario | Fuel calculation | Possible added charge | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-lb cylinder, nearly empty | 4.7 gallons × $4.75 = $22.33 | $0-$5 | $22-$27 |
| 100-gallon home delivery | 100 gallons × $3.10 = $310 | $0-$75 | $310-$385 |
| 300-gallon home delivery | 300 gallons × $2.80 = $840 | $0-$50 | $840-$890 |
These examples show why both the per-gallon rate and extra charges belong in the comparison. A larger order can lower the unit rate but still requires a larger payment at delivery.
Which refill choices can lower the propane bill?
For grill cylinders, compare a full refill with an exchange price by checking the exchange tank’s stated fill amount. Refill may cost less per gallon when the cylinder is in good condition and the store charges only for the propane added. A damaged, expired, or unapproved cylinder may need replacement instead.
For home delivery, compare quotes for the same gallon quantity, tank arrangement, and delivery window. Scheduling before a low-fuel emergency can help avoid rush charges. Consolidating orders may also reduce per-visit fees, but only if the tank has safe capacity and the household can pay for the larger delivery.
Controlling order timing and avoiding unnecessary service upgrades are practical ways to limit the final cost. Confirm whether a quote includes delivery, taxes, tank rent, and any minimum before agreeing to service.
Questions to ask a Southern States branch before refilling
Prices and services can differ between cooperative locations. The branch can confirm whether it fills portable cylinders, delivers to the customer’s tank, or both. It can also explain accepted cylinder types, payment methods, appointment windows, and any account requirements.
Ask for the current price per gallon, the estimated gallons on the order, and the total with fees. For home delivery, check whether the quoted rate changes with order size, whether the tank is leased or customer-owned, and whether a minimum delivery applies. A written or itemized estimate makes the Southern States propane refill price easier to compare with another local supplier.