Propane shortages during cold outbreak trigger state of emergency in New Jersey, U.S.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency effective at 09:00 LT (14:00 UTC) on December 12, 2025, due to propane supply shortages affecting residential heating across the state. The declaration applies to approximately 186 000 residents who rely on propane-based heating systems.
Image credit: Erik Mclean
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency effective at 09:00 LT (14:00 UTC) on December 12, 2025, due to propane supply shortages affecting residential heating across the state.
The declaration follows a service disruption at a major propane distribution facility in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, which supplies fuel to parts of the Northeast. State officials said the disruption threatens heating availability for approximately 186 000 residents in New Jersey who rely on propane-based systems during winter.
The executive order authorizes a temporary, statewide exemption from hours-of-service regulations for drivers transporting residential heating fuel, allowing expanded delivery operations aimed at preventing supply interruptions.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” said Governor Murphy.
“I am declaring a State of Emergency to ensure that the approximately 186 000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This Executive Order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”
The Executive Order signed by the governor allows for a statewide exemption on hours-of-service regulations concerning the transportation of residential heating fuel.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), a surge of Arctic air associated with a southward displacement of the polar vortex is forecast to affect the region through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to fall into the single digits across much of New Jersey, with Sussex County forecast to reach approximately −17.7°C (0°F) on Sunday, December 14.
The same Arctic air mass is expected to spread southward from the Northern High Plains on December 12, driving near-record low temperatures and dangerous wind chills across parts of the Northern Plains and Mid-South through the weekend, according to NWS forecasts.
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I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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