South Carolina Propane Price 2026: Cost Per Gallon, Suppliers & Delivery
South Carolina residential propane is $2.48/gal in the latest EIA SHOPP release, -11% versus the $2.78 national average and +2% versus the South regional average of $2.44. South Carolina's pricing is below average. Full breakdown of South Carolina pricing, fill-up costs by tank size, regional comparison and how to find a licensed propane supplier.
Final release of the 2025/26 heating season. EIA SHOPP does not publish state-level weekly prices May to September; next release expected October 2026.
South Carolina Propane Price Snapshot
EIA SHOPP weekly survey, statewide retail average
South Carolina pays $-0.30 less per gallon than the US average
South Carolina sits above the South regional average
Versus $2780 at the national average
400 usable gallons at $2.48/gal
Off-season pre-buy and cap-price contracts typically save 10-20%
The figures above are statewide retail averages from the EIA SHOPP residential propane price survey. Local rates within South Carolina can vary materially: rural delivery routes, urban supplier density, and contract type (will-call vs auto-fill vs pre-buy) all move the per-gallon number you are quoted.
Why South Carolina Propane Prices Sit Where They Do
Southern propane prices are typically the lowest in the country. The region is closest to Gulf Coast production, has shorter supply chains, milder winters that limit peak demand, and a high share of households with natural gas, leaving propane primarily for rural and supplemental use.
South Carolina specifically sits at $2.48/gal, +2% versus the South regional average. Local supply chain length, household propane-heating share, regional storage capacity, and population density all combine to set the retail rate. For a more granular picture, see the same-region comparison table below.
South Carolina Propane Fill-Up Cost by Tank Size
Propane tanks are filled to 80% capacity (the "80% rule") to allow for thermal expansion. Costs below use South Carolina's $2.48/gal residential rate and the usable gallon count for each tank size, compared to the national-average rate of $2.78/gal.
| Tank size | Usable gallons (80%) | South Carolina fill cost | National avg cost | South Carolina discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 gal (portable) | 80 | $198.40 | $222.40 | -$24.00 |
| 250 gal (small home) | 200 | $496.00 | $556.00 | -$60.00 |
| 500 gal (standard residential) | 400 | $992.00 | $1112.00 | -$120.00 |
| 1,000 gal (large home / cold-climate) | 800 | $1984.00 | $2224.00 | -$240.00 |
A typical South Carolina household heating a 2,000 sqft home burns 800 to 1,200 gallons per year, which translates to two or three full fills of a 500-gallon tank. Annual propane spend ranges from $1984 (low usage) to $2976 (high usage) at the current statewide average rate.
How to Find a Licensed Propane Supplier in South Carolina
Buying propane from an unlicensed dealer is both a safety risk and a consumer-protection risk: licensed dealers must comply with NFPA 58 storage and delivery standards, carry insurance, and follow state-specific consumer rules on tank ownership and contract disclosure. Three reliable starting points:
- National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) member directory at npga.org — the national trade association lists licensed propane retailers across all 50 states.
- South Carolina state propane gas association — most states maintain their own licensed-dealer directory under a name like "South Carolina Propane Gas Association" or via the state Department of Agriculture / Weights and Measures office. Search for the directory and use the official state-licensed list.
- Local-licensing public records — your state Department of Agriculture or Department of Consumer Protection typically publishes a registered propane dealer list. If a company quoting you is not on the state list, do not sign.
Always get a written quote that itemises per-gallon price, delivery fee, tank rental (if applicable), minimum-delivery surcharge, and any monthly tank fee. Compare two or three quotes before committing. Per-gallon spreads of 30 to 50 cents within the same county are common.
South Carolina vs Other South States
| State | Price/gal | vs national avg ($2.78) | 500-gal fill cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $2.78 | +0% | $1112.00 |
| West Virginia | $2.71 | -3% | $1084.00 |
| North Carolina | $2.62 | -6% | $1048.00 |
| Florida | $2.52 | -9% | $1008.00 |
| South Carolina (this page) | $2.48 | -11% | $992.00 |
| Tennessee | $2.45 | -12% | $980.00 |
| Georgia | $2.44 | -12% | $976.00 |
| Kentucky | $2.41 | -13% | $964.00 |
| Alabama | $2.38 | -14% | $952.00 |
| Mississippi | $2.31 | -17% | $924.00 |
| Arkansas | $2.29 | -18% | $916.00 |
| Oklahoma | $2.21 | -21% | $884.00 |
| Louisiana | $2.19 | -21% | $876.00 |
| Texas | $2.18 | -22% | $872.00 |
South regional average: $2.44/gal. See full state-by-state pricing for all 50 states.
South Carolina Propane Price FAQ
How much does propane cost per gallon in South Carolina?
What does a full tank of propane cost in South Carolina?
How much do South Carolina households spend on propane per year?
When is the cheapest time to buy propane in South Carolina?
Does LIHEAP help pay for propane in this state?
How do I find a licensed propane supplier in South Carolina?
Read Next
Statewide propane prices for every US state, ranked by region.
Apply South Carolina pricing to your home, climate and usage profile.
100, 250, 500, 1,000 gallon: which fits your usage and climate.
Pre-buy, cap-price, summer fills, supplier shopping, tank ownership.
Seasonal price patterns and the best months to fill a tank.
How we source EIA pricing and what the off-season cadence means.
Founder of Digital Signet, an independent research firm that builds data-led pricing and decision tools using public datasets. PropaneCostPerGallon.com is sourced from the EIA Weekly Heating Fuels Survey, with assumptions and refresh cadence documented on the methodology page.