Hurricane season in Puerto Rico runs June through November. Before any named storm approaches the island, securing your propane supply is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your household or business. Tropigas operates 23 distribution plants across Puerto Rico and serves all 78 municipalities, but delivery routes suspend before a storm makes landfall. Do not wait for a watch or warning to call.
Why Propane Is Critical Before a Hurricane
Propane powers the appliances your household depends on most during and after a storm: cooking stoves, water heaters, generators, and dryers. When the power grid goes down, propane-powered appliances keep functioning. A full tank before a hurricane means your family can cook, heat water, and run a generator while you wait for power to be restored.
For businesses, a full propane supply means continuity of operations. Restaurants, hotels, and healthcare facilities that depend on propane cannot afford to run out during or after a storm.
When to Call for Pre-Hurricane Delivery
Call Tropigas at 787-641-8002 the moment a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued for Puerto Rico. Do not wait for a warning. By the time a warning is issued, demand has already surged and delivery availability drops significantly.
The ideal time to fill your tank is at the beginning of hurricane season in June, and again before any named storm is forecast to affect the island. If your tank is already above 70%, you may only need a top-off. If it is below 50%, schedule a full refill immediately.
⚡ Key Fact:
Tropigas delivery routes suspend 24 to 48 hours before a hurricane makes landfall. Once suspended, no deliveries can be made regardless of urgency. That is why calling before the warning is issued is not optional, it is critical.
How Tropigas Handles Pre-Hurricane Demand
During pre-hurricane periods, Tropigas prioritizes deliveries based on urgency and route availability. Residential and commercial customers can receive same-day delivery depending on the time of their call and current route conditions. Call as early in the morning as possible.
Industrial customers should contact their dedicated account manager immediately when a storm watch is issued to coordinate supply before route suspensions begin.
Ready to schedule your pre-hurricane delivery?
Call 787-641-8002When Delivery Routes Suspend
Tropigas suspends delivery routes 24 to 48 hours before a hurricane makes landfall in Puerto Rico. This is a safety measure to protect our drivers and equipment. Service resumes as soon as roads are confirmed safe after the storm passes.
Once routes suspend, no deliveries can be made regardless of urgency. This is why calling early is critical. There is no exception to the route suspension policy during active storm conditions.
⚠️ Warning:
Do not wait until a hurricane warning is issued to call. By then, demand has surged and availability drops quickly. Call when the watch is issued, not when the warning is issued.
What Tank Level to Aim for Before a Storm
The goal before any hurricane is a full tank. At the standard Puerto Rico fill level of 90% capacity, here is what a full tank looks like by size:
| Tank Size | Gallons at 90% | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 120-gallon tank | up to 108 gallons | Cooking and hot water |
| 250-gallon tank | up to 225 gallons | Mid-size home |
| 500-gallon tank | up to 450 gallons | With generator |
| 1,000-gallon tank | up to 900 gallons | Large home or commercial |
✓ Recommendation:
During summer months in hotter municipalities, tanks are filled to 80% to 85% due to thermal expansion limits. Our technicians adjust the fill level based on conditions at the time of delivery.
After the Hurricane, Resuming Delivery
After a hurricane, Tropigas resumes deliveries as roads are cleared and conditions allow. Customers with the most critical needs, including medical facilities and essential businesses, are prioritized in the post-storm recovery period.
If you run low on propane after a storm, call 787-641-8002 and describe your situation. Do not attempt to refill cylinders from unverified sources after a storm, as counterfeit or damaged cylinders pose serious safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ing. Rodolfo Leo Quiñones
Operations, Sales and Export Manager, Tropigas / Tropigas SXM
Expert in propane energy systems, NFPA compliance and industrial gas logistics in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
