NEWS

Hilco Acquires J-M Transport From Crystal Flash

Hilco Holdings Inc. and Crystal Flash Inc. announced that affiliates of Hilco have completed the acquisition of substantially all the operating assets of J-M Transport from Crystal Flash. The transaction closed on Sept. 26, and J-M Transport began operations as part of Hilco on Sept. 28. Financial terms were not disclosed. J-M Transport’s employees, owner operators and operating leadership are continuing with the business. Customers will continue working with their existing contacts, and Hilco and Crystal Flash have coordinated to maintain continuity of service. Legacy Energy Consulting served as exclusive financial advisor to Crystal Flash in connection with the transaction.

Liquid Gas Week 2026 Brings Global LPG Industry to Istanbul

Liquid Gas Week 2026 took place in Istanbul, Turkey, bringing together liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry representatives, policymakers and energy experts to discuss global markets, technology and industry developments. Organized by the World Liquid Gas Association, the event ran Oct. 12-16 under the theme “Resilience in a Changing World.” The five-day event covered global LPG supply, energy security, renewable fuels and developments in technology. The program also included the 38th World LPG Forum, an international exhibition and sessions addressing challenges and opportunities across the industry. The World LPG Forum, which began Oct. 14, featured discussions on global LPG supply and demand, trading, and regional market developments. Sessions examined changes in international trade flows, market conditions and factors expected to influence the industry in the coming years. Additional sessions addressed renewable liquid gases, clean cooking, safety and digital technology. The event featured the World LPG Challenge, where participating startups presented technologies and business ideas aimed at addressing industry needs.

EPA Opens $180M in 2026 DERA Funding

Editor’s Note: The following appeared in the National Propane Gas Association’s (NPGA) The Bobtail newsletter.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened the 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) National Grant Program, providing approximately $180 million to support projects that replace, retrofit or upgrade older diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. Applications are due Jan. 22, 2027, giving fleet operators and their public- and nonprofit-sector partners several months to identify eligible equipment and develop projects. NPGA will be working with its state and regional associations during this period to provide grants assistance to would-be applicants. DERA is designed to accelerate the turnover of older diesel engines and reduce emissions from the nation’s legacy diesel fleet. Eligible equipment encompasses a wide range of transportation and off-road applications, including school and transit buses, Class 5-8 trucks, locomotives, marine engines and nonroad equipment used in construction, agriculture, mining, cargo handling, ports, airports and energy production. Projects can include vehicle or engine replacements, verified exhaust retrofits, idle-reduction technologies, certified remanufacture systems and other EPA-approved emissions-reduction technologies. Eligible applicants include state, local, regional and tribal agencies and port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Municipalities, counties, school districts, cities and metropolitan planning organizations generally fall within these categories. Certain nonprofit organizations that represent diesel fleet owners or provide pollution-reduction, transportation or air-quality services are also eligible. Private fleet operators can participate in projects through eligible public or nonprofit applicants. The 2026 competition provides an opportunity for fleets considering alternative fuel replacements. EPA has confirmed that eligible medium- and heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses may be replaced with vehicles fueled by propane, provided the replacement meets applicable engine-certification requirements. No funding will be extended to electric vehicle replacements. DERA and the Clean School Bus competition encourage public fleets to replace aging diesel vehicles.

Mid-October Propane Prices Up From September

From mid-September to mid-October, Mont Belvieu, Texas, posted prices increased 21.25 cents/gal, while spot prices increased 21.875 cents. Conway, Kansas, postings increased 22.5 cents/gal, and spots increased 24.5 cents over the month. The Mont Belvieu mid-September posted price was 95.125 cents/gal. The next week the price increased 1.5 cents to 96.625 cents/gal, followed by a 4.875-cent decrease to 101.5 cents/gal the first week of October. Postings increased 3.25 cents to 104.75 cents/gal the next week, followed by a 11.625-cent increase to 116.375 cents/gal at mid-month. Compared to 2025, October 2026 prices were 43.645 cents higher. The Conway mid-September posted price was 83.585 cents/gal. The next week the price increased 1.125 cents to 84.71 cents/gal, followed by a 1.69-cent increase to 86.4 cents/gal the first week of October. Postings increased 7.435 cents to 93.835 cents/gal the next week, followed by a 12.25-cent increase to 106.085 cents/gal at mid-month. Compared to 2025, October 2026 prices were 40.672 cents higher. Mont Belvieu spots opened mid-September at 81.75 cents/gal. The next week the price increased 5.25 cents to 87 cents/gal, followed by a 0.25-cent increase to 87.25 cents/gal the first week of October. Spots increased 7.875 cents to 95.125 cents/gal the next week, followed by a 8.5-cent increase to 103.625 cents at mid-month. Compared to 2025, October 2026 prices were 42 cents higher. Conway spots opened mid-September at 76 cents/gal. The next week the price increased 5.5 cents to 81.5 cents/gal, followed by a 0.625-cent increase to 82.125 cents/gal the first week of October. Spots increased 9.625 cents to 91.75 cents/gal the next week, with an 8.75-cent increase to 100.5 cents/gal at mid-month. Compared to 2025, October 2026 prices were 43.375 cents higher.