JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — House Speaker Tim Jones, R-Eureka, is joining colleagues in both chambers in calling for action on the recent spike in propane prices in Missouri, where consumers have seen per-gallon prices triple over the course of a few weeks.
The price spike has been attributed to a sudden shortage in available domestic supply, both as the result of newer export deals, a record-setting cold streak and an exceedingly wet corn harvest in the northwest. The Missouri Propane Gas Association said they support last week’s announcement that Attorney General Chris Koster will be investigating the price increase.
Jones, however, appears to be aiming higher. Jones is identifying the issue as a “top priority” an announcement this morning and referred HCR 18 to the Utilities Committee. If passed, HCR 18, filed by Rep. Jay Houghton, R-Martinsburg, would call on the United States Justice Department to investigate the shortage of propane and resulting increase in prices.
“The huge, unexpected price increase has been an enormous burden on many Missouri families and farmers who want nothing more than to have access to affordable heating during these bitterly cold months,” said Jones, R-Eureka. “We want to take every action possible to protect Missourians from what many fear is blatant price gouging. We know our local suppliers are not at fault, but we want the Justice Department to get to the root of this problem as quickly as possible.”
Jones’ announcement makes no mention of Koster’s investigation, or Houghton’s letters to Koster asking for his involvement, or Koster’s participation in an investigation on behalf of the National Association of Attorneys General. Although with Jones likely to seek the office of Attorney General in 2014, this is not unusual.
The issue has also gotten the attention of Gov. Jay Nixon, who announced during a press event today in Springfield an additional $14.9 million in federal funds through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Nixon is also doubling the amount each household can receive annually in propane assistance from $264-450 per year to $528-900 per year.
Collin Reischman was the Managing Editor for The Missouri Times, and a graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
