Hidden Fees in Propane Delivery

What Hill Country Residents Should Know

Published on September 18, 2025

When it comes to keeping your home, ranch, or business running on propane, the price you see advertised isn’t always the price you pay. Many propane companies across the Texas Hill Country advertise competitive per-gallon rates, but then tack on hidden fees that can leave customers paying much more than expected.

At Heart of Texas Propane, we believe in transparency. Here’s a breakdown of the most common hidden fees in the propane industry, how some providers in the Hill Country handle them, and why Heart of Texas customers don’t have to worry about surprise costs.

Common Hidden Fees in Propane Delivery

Delivery Fees & Surcharges: Some companies add fees for last-minute deliveries, after-hours service, or winter storm calls. Even “standard” deliveries can sometimes come with fuel surcharges.
Minimum Order Charges: If your delivery doesn’t meet a minimum gallon requirement, you could be charged extra. This is common with “will-call” orders.
Run-Out / Leak Check Fees: If you run completely out of propane, most providers require a safety leak check before refilling your tank—and they charge you for it.
Tank Rental or Recertification Fees: Leasing a tank from your propane company often comes with monthly or annual rental fees. Rusty or outdated tanks may also trigger inspection or recertification costs.
Hazmat or Regulatory Fees: Some providers pass along charges for compliance, hazardous materials handling, or environmental surcharges.

What Hill Country Customers Are Seeing

Many providers require additional charges if a customer runs out of propane and a safety check is needed.
Some companies advertise low per-gallon rates but make up the difference with delivery fees, hazmat charges, or fuel surcharges.
Fee structures are often not published publicly, making it difficult for customers to know the true cost until after delivery.

Heart of Texas Propane: No Hidden Fees, Just Honest Service

We’re upfront about our pricing and services so you always know what to expect:

Keep-Full Program: Free enrollment, no hidden fees—you only pay for the propane delivered.
Transparent Tank Rental: If you lease a tank, you’ll know the rental cost up front. No surprise add-ons.
Clear Will-Call Policy: While some surcharges apply to last-minute or off-hour deliveries, we disclose these before service so you’re never caught off guard.
Education First: Our blog and customer resources are designed to help you understand propane costs and avoid unnecessary fees.

How to Protect Yourself From Hidden Fees

Before signing on with a propane provider, ask these key questions:

Do you charge delivery or fuel surcharges?
What is your minimum order requirement?
What happens if I run out of propane?
Are there tank rental or recertification fees?
Do you add hazmat or regulatory compliance charges?

The Bottom Line

Not all propane companies are created equal. While some providers rely on hidden fees to make up margins, Heart of Texas Propane believes in fair, transparent pricing. That’s why so many Hill Country homeowners, ranchers, and businesses trust us to deliver not just propane—but peace of mind.