What is propane?
Propane, also known as liquified petroleum (LP) gas, is a by-product of natural gas and crude oil refining and is a popular fuel source for residential, commercial and farm uses.

Propane is colorless, odorless and non-toxic. A distinct odor is added to the liquified propane at the refinery so the gas is easily detected. Propane is a hydrocarbon (C3H8) gas that burns cleaner than gasoline, diesel and other fossil fuels.

Propane gas in its liquified form reaches the storage site at Blackhawk Propane via tanker truck. The gas is stored safely in several bulk tanks at our storage facility. From there, propane is delivered to our customers using Blackhawk Propane's fleet of propane-powered trucks.



Propane is an excellent fuel source for many reasons, including:
  • Propane is easily transported and can be supplied almost anywhere.

  • Unlike gasoline or fuel oil, propane doesn't deteriorate over time and can be stored indefinitely.

  • Propane is an environmentally friendly fuel. If it is released in its liquid form, it simply dissipates and does not contaminate soil or groundwater. It also burns with less pollution than other fossil fuels.

  • The propane industry has developed numerous methods to make the transport and use of propane safe.

    •  Propane Is an Environmentally Friendly Fuel*

  • Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the National Energy Policy Act of 1992.

  • Propane is one of the lightest, simplest hydrocarbons in existence, and, as a result, is one of the cleanest burning of all alternative fuels. New propane-fueled vehicles can meet the very tough Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards, and one model even meets the Super Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards.

  • Burning coal to generate electricity releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Per pound of fuel burned, coal emits more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide as does propane. By using propane gas instead of electricity, consumers can cut emissions and help preserve the environment.

  • Propane gas is nontoxic, so it's not harmful to soil and water. Because propane does not endanger the environment, the placement of propane tanks either above or below ground is not regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  • According to the EPA, much of the sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, which produces acid rain, is attributable to coal-fired, electricity-generating facilities. In contrast, neither the process by which propane is produced nor the combustion of propane gas produces significant acid rain contaminants.

    *Source: The National Propane Gas Association




    Blackhawk Propane Company, Inc.
    1000 Doner Drive | P.O. Box 141 | South Beloit, Illinois 61080
    815-389-3522 | toll free 1-800-371-3522 | Fax: 815-389-2719
    zeek2314@aol.com