Puerto Rico has experienced an unprecedented surge in propane imports from the U.S. mainland during a recent 63-day period under a temporary Jones Act waiver, surpassing the total volume received over the previous 22 years combined. The significant increase highlights the impact of the waiver on the island's energy supply. As noted by social media user Basilš§”, "PR saw more propane imports in the 63 days of the jones act waiver than the last 22 years combined."
The dramatic rise in propane shipments became possible due to the temporary suspension of the Jones Act, a 1920 federal law requiring goods transported between U.S. ports to be carried on American-built, American-flagged, American-owned, and American-crewed vessels. Historically, Puerto Rico has been unable to purchase bulk U.S. propane because there are no liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers in the Jones Act-compliant fleet, forcing the island to rely on more distant international sources for its supply.
The waiver, initially issued in March 2026 and later extended, covered various energy commodities and fertilizer inputs. This allowed foreign-flagged vessels to transport propane from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico for the first time. According to the Cato Institute, approximately 49 percent more propane reached Puerto Rico from the mainland United States under the waiver than was shipped in total between 2004 and 2025.
Industry observers, including the National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), have viewed the waiver as a crucial test case for the propane industry. The flexibility offered by the waiver has improved access to propane for Puerto Rican consumers by expanding transportation options. Three propane cargoes, totaling around 540,000 barrels or 17.2 million gallons, were reportedly moved to Puerto Rico under the waiver, originating from locations such as Houston and Philadelphia.
The substantial increase in domestic propane supply underscores the long-standing challenges Puerto Rico faces under the Jones Act, which often makes it more expensive to import goods from the U.S. mainland than from foreign countries. Advocacy groups are now working with congressional offices to develop legislation that would permanently exempt propane shipments to Puerto Rico, and potentially Hawaii, from the Jones Act, aiming to ensure a more reliable and affordable energy supply for the islands.
