A State of Emergency order has been issued as New Jersey is being faced with a disruption of service in distribution of propane for home and commercial heating.
Announced Thursday by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, the State of Emergency is set to go into effect at 9 a.m. on Friday.
According to an executive order, a power outage at a gas refinery and industrial complex in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, back on Nov. 21, 2025, disrupted the routine flow of propane to motor carriers that help distribute propane throughout the region.
The refinery is now only open on an intermittent basis, leading to increased wait times at propane truck terminals at the facility. It also increased traffic and wait times at major propane distribution facilities in other nearby states, including New Jersey.
In order to expedite distribution, and provide an exemption on hours-of-service regulations concerning the transportation of residential fuel, Murphy has issued the State of Emergency.
“As temperatures continue to drop, ensuring that every person has access to a safe, warm environment is essential,” Murphy said in a statement. “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.”
Murphy’s office said that, under the federal waiver available during the State of Emergency, maximum driving time for commercial motor carriers has been extended from 11 to 14 hours, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between driving time.
The order will remain in place, Murphy’s office said, until it is determined that the emergency situation no longer exists.
You can read the entire executive order below:
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