PETALUMA, Calif. (KCBS RADIO) – The supply chain is out for your grill.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
As grilling season gets into full swing, some gas-grillers are having trouble finding one of the essentials: propane tanks.
This isn't a new problem.
You haven't been able to get a propane tank quickly for years now, according to Dante DiCarli, manager at Petaluma Butane Distributors. "It all started at the beginning of the pandemic," he told KCBS Radio on Thursday. "There was a shortage of workers, there was a shortage of steel and obviously the ports were backlogged."
Add in panic buying and almost every restaurant immediately wanting propane tanks to keep outside diners comfortable, and you've got a shortage.
When supplies came in they went straight to the bigger retailers and family businesses like Petaluma Butane Distributors had to tell customers their orders would take up to 11 months. "Now about five to six weeks, so it's a lot better obviously," DiCarli said. "But there's still a bit of a logjam. We're trying to play catch up with everybody."
Before the coronavirus pandemic it wouldn't take more than 10 days, he said.
Many – including DiCarli – have lost customers because of the shortage.
If you see them, "grab them while you can," he added.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
