PropaneTankRefillCost.com is an independent resource. Not affiliated with any propane retailer or fuel company. Prices based on 2026 published retailer pricing and EIA data. Confirm current prices with your local retailer.
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Last verified 11 June 2026

Propane Refill Cost Calculator 2026: Retailer Estimates

Select your tank size, retailer, and region for a real 2026 cost estimate. No exchange conversion charts - this maps directly to refill station pricing.

Wholesale benchmark$0.80/gal-5¢ wk· Mont Belvieu spot (06-08)
BBQ grill, portable heater4.7 gal usable
+23% vs national average ($2.67/gal)
U-Haul - 20 lb Tank - South
$20.25
estimated total cost
$/gallon
$4.31
$/lb propane
$1.02
Gal received
4.70
U-Haulpricing guide →
Top 3 cheapest for 20 lb in South
$16.78
$20.25

How These Estimates Are Calculated

Tank capacity figures use the standard propane weight-to-volume conversion of 4.24 lb per gallon. A cylinder's lb rating is the amount of propane it holds when properly filled (the rating already reflects the 80% volumetric safety limit enforced by the OPD valve): 20lb = ~4.7 gal; 30lb = ~7.1 gal; 40lb = ~9.4 gal; 100lb = ~23.6 gal.

Per-gallon prices reflect typical posted store prices for each retailer; most refill retailers price by location and do not publish a national rate, so treat them as estimates. Regional multipliers are derived from live EIA SHOPP residential propane data (US national average $2.67/gal as of week ending 30 March 2026). Current regional averages: Northeast $3.69/gal (+38% vs national), Midwest $2.07 (-22%), South $3.29 (+23%), West $2.39 (-10%). Refreshed 11 June 2026.

Exchange network prices (Blue Rhino, AmeriGas) reflect the flat per-tank fee for a 15lb short-fill. The effective per-gallon equivalent is calculated at 3.5 gallons (15lb at 4.24 lb/gal). Confirm all prices with your local retailer before travel.

Calculator FAQ

How accurate is this propane refill calculator?
The calculator uses each retailer's published per-gallon pricing for the refill tier, adjusted by a live regional multiplier derived from EIA SHOPP weekly residential propane data (week ending 30 March 2026, US national average $2.67/gal). Actual prices at your location may vary by 5-15%. Always confirm with your local retailer before driving.
Why does the calculator show different costs for the same tank size?
Propane per-gallon prices vary significantly by retailer (the refill tier alone spans roughly $2.90/gal at Costco to $4.15/gal at Ace). Exchange networks charge a flat per-tank fee but only fill to 15 lb (a 3.5-gallon short fill), making them the most expensive per pound on big tanks. Regional pricing also varies: at the latest EIA release, the priciest region (Northeast) sits +38% versus the national average, while the cheapest region (Midwest) sits -22%.
Does the region selection affect the result?
Yes. The calculator applies a live regional multiplier derived from EIA SHOPP residential propane data. At the latest release (week ending 30 March 2026), Northeast runs at $3.69/gal (+38% vs the $2.67 national average) and Midwest runs at $2.07/gal (-22%). Pick your region to apply the appropriate multiplier; expect quotes in your area to land within roughly 10-15% of the calculator's estimate.
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