(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some people are having trouble getting propane for their gas barbecue grills because of a tank shortage.
The owner of Armitage Hardware in Lincoln Park, Brian O'Donnell, said that's because restaurants needed lots of propane tanks to fuel patio heaters for outdoor dining during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of the restaurants are not returning empty tanks, adding to the shortage, he said.
Meantime, manufacturers are having trouble making new tanks because of a steel shortage, O’Donnell said.
“Nobody anticipated the demand,” he said. “All of a sudden, everybody’s on a back-order situation.”
His advice, if you need propane: Try retail outlets in the middle of the week, when shipments typically come in.
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