What was recalled
In June of 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a critical safety alert regarding propane gas supplied by Keyera Energy Inc. This recall is not about a single defective appliance or a specific batch of grills; rather, it concerns the fuel itself. Specifically, the recall targets under-odorized propane (LP) gas. Propane is naturally colorless and odorless in its pure form. To ensure safety, an odorant—a chemical with a distinct, unpleasant smell similar to rotten eggs—is added to the gas so that leaks can be detected by human senses. The product involved in this recall failed to meet the standard requirement for sufficient levels of this odorant. This means that if a leak occurred from these specific supplies of propane, consumers would not have been able to smell it, creating a silent but dangerous situation.
This issue affected propane delivered to consumers for use in storage tanks, as well as propane sold at retail locations in portable refillable cylinders. These cylinders are commonly used for recreational vehicles (RVs), barbeques, outdoor stoves, and other similar appliances that rely on portable fuel sources. The scope of the recall also extended beyond residential users. Keyera Energy supplied this under-odorized propane to businesses for commercial and industrial use, meaning that restaurants, construction sites, or facilities using large-scale propane equipment could have been affected as well.
A crucial detail in understanding who might be impacted is how Keyera Energy operates within the supply chain. Keyera Energy Inc. does not sell propane directly to any retailers or individual consumers. Instead, they act as a supplier to distributors. These distributors then sell the propane directly to retailers and end-users. Because of this indirect relationship, it can be difficult for a consumer to know exactly which batch of propane they purchased came from Keyera’s supply network without contacting the company directly. The recall covers products sold in the United States, though specific dates of sale are not detailed in the public record beyond the recall announcement date of June 5, 2018. If you have used propane for heating, cooking, or powering appliances during this period, it is important to verify whether your supplier received stock from Keyera Energy.
The reason this recall was necessary lies in the fundamental safety mechanism of gas detection. Without adequate odorant, a leaking tank or connection remains invisible and undetectable by smell until the concentration of gas becomes high enough to cause immediate physical effects, such as dizziness or suffocation, rather than warning you early enough to escape. This gap in detection is what prompted the CPSC and Keyera Energy to issue this alert, ensuring that distributors and consumers could identify and replace potentially dangerous supplies before an accident occurred.
The hazard, explained
Understanding why this recall matters begins with a simple but critical feature of propane gas: it is naturally odorless. In its raw state, propane is invisible and scentless, which makes it incredibly dangerous if it leaks into a confined space like your home or garage. To address this inherent danger, the industry standard requires that an odorant be added to the gas. This chemical additive gives propane its distinctive, rotten-egg smell, serving as your first and most vital line of defense against a potential disaster. In the case of the Keyera Energy recall, the specific failure is that the propane delivered to certain storage tanks contained insufficient levels of this odorant.
When the concentration of the odorant is too low, the gas may still leak, but you might not be able to smell it, or at least not strongly enough to trigger immediate alarm. This creates a "silent" hazard. Without that sharp, unmistakable scent warning, you could inadvertently allow gas to accumulate in your living space without realizing it. Propane is heavier than air, meaning it tends to pool in low-lying areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or the ground floor of a home. As these invisible pockets of gas build up, they displace oxygen and create an environment ripe for ignition.
The physical mechanism of harm occurs when that accumulated gas finds a source of ignition. This can happen from something as mundane as flipping on a light switch, which creates a tiny electrical spark inside the wall; operating a furnace pilot light; using an appliance with a standing flame; or even static electricity from walking across a carpet. Once ignited, the result is not just a fire, but potentially a rapid and violent explosion. The pressure release from such an event can cause severe structural damage to your home and lead to catastrophic thermal burns for anyone inside. Because the gas may have been present undetected for some time, the fuel load could be significant, making the resulting blast far more destructive than a small, immediately noticed leak.
This is why the deficiency in odorization is treated with such urgency by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The hazard is not that the propane is "bad" or inefficient; it is that your primary sensory warning system has been compromised. You are essentially flying blind regarding gas leaks. While modern homes often have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, these devices do not detect combustible gas leaks before they ignite. Therefore, the absence of the proper odorant removes the only immediate, human-detectable signal that danger is present, leaving you vulnerable to a sudden and severe fire or explosion event with no prior warning.
Who is most at risk
The primary group affected by this recall consists of anyone who relies on propane gas delivered to a storage tank or purchased in portable refillable cylinders for their daily operations and living spaces. This includes homeowners with propane-powered heating systems, water heaters, or cooking appliances, as well as businesses that utilize propane for industrial or commercial processes. Because Keyera Energy supplies distributors rather than selling directly to consumers, the risk is widespread across any network that sources from these specific distributors. If you have received propane delivery recently or purchased a refillable cylinder for use in recreational vehicles, barbeques, stoves, or other appliances, you are part of the affected population.
The specific hazard here stems from the absence of sufficient odorant. Normally, propane is naturally odorless, so a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it a distinct, unpleasant smell—often described as resembling rotten eggs or sulfur—that alerts people to a leak. When this odorant is missing, the gas becomes invisible and undetectable by human senses. This creates a unique and severe risk profile because the primary warning system that consumers rely on has been compromised. You cannot smell the danger approaching until it is often too late.
Certain individuals are at heightened vulnerability due to their physiological or situational circumstances. Children, for example, may not recognize the subtle signs of gas accumulation or know how to react appropriately in an emergency. Elderly individuals or those with respiratory conditions may be particularly susceptible to the effects of asphyxiation or thermal burns if a leak goes unnoticed for a longer period. Furthermore, people living in tightly sealed homes during colder months are at greater risk because poor ventilation can allow gas to accumulate to explosive levels more quickly than in well-ventilated spaces.
Additionally, businesses and commercial users who may not be as intimately familiar with the daily sensory cues of their equipment might miss early signs of a leak. The risk is compounded by the fact that no incidents have been reported yet, meaning many people are currently unaware they are exposed to this silent threat. The danger lies in the potential for sudden ignition from everyday activities—such as flipping a light switch, using an appliance, or even static electricity—which can trigger a fire or explosion without any prior warning. This is why immediate action is critical for all users, regardless of age or health status, because the hazard does not discriminate based on vulnerability but rather on proximity to the undetected leak.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your propane supply is part of this specific recall requires a closer look at your service agreements and delivery records rather than just inspecting the physical tank or cylinder itself. Because Keyera Energy Inc. operates as a supplier to distributors rather than selling directly to consumers, the branding you see on your monthly bill or invoice is often different from the company that issued the recall notice. This distinction is crucial for accurate identification. You will not typically find "Keyera Energy" printed prominently on the side of your propane tank or on the label of a portable refillable cylinder. Instead, Keyera supplies the gas to distributors who then sell it directly to retailers and consumers. Therefore, the first step in verification is to examine your recent invoices, delivery tickets, or service contracts. Look for the name of the local distributor or retailer that delivers to your home or business. If you are a commercial or industrial user, check your procurement records for any connection to Keyera Energy’s distribution network. The recall specifically targets under-odorized propane (LP) gas delivered to consumers for use in storage tanks, as well as propane sold at retail locations in portable refillable cylinders. These portable cylinders are commonly used in recreational vehicles, barbeques, stoves, and other similar appliances. If you have recently purchased or had propane delivered in these formats, particularly if the supplier is linked to Keyera Energy, there is a possibility your product is affected. Since the recall was announced on June 5, 2018, any deliveries or sales prior to this date from identified distributors should be scrutinized. However, because the hazard is related to the chemical composition of the gas (insufficient odorant) rather than a physical defect in the container, you cannot visually identify the recalled propane by its color, size, or the appearance of the tank. The gas itself looks and smells normal until it leaks, which is precisely why the lack of odorant is dangerous. To confirm your status, do not rely on guesswork. The most reliable method is to contact Keyera Energy directly using the information provided in their safety update. You can call their toll-free number at 844-879-8419 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, or visit www.keypropaneupdate.com for more information. By providing your account details from your distributor’s invoice, they can verify whether your specific propane supply was part of the under-odorized batch. This step is essential because without direct confirmation from Keyera Energy or your retailer, there is no way to know if your propane contains the proper levels of odorant.What to do — step by step
If you suspect that the propane gas in your storage tank or portable cylinders was supplied by Keyera Energy during the period covered by this recall, it is crucial to act with calm precision. The primary danger here is not immediate explosion, but the inability to detect a leak because the gas lacks its usual warning scent. Therefore, your first and most important step is to stop attempting to diagnose the issue yourself. Do not try to test the propane’s odorant levels or check for leaks by smelling it closely. Inhaling propane directly can be dangerous, and relying on your sense of smell when the odorant may be missing is exactly what led to this safety alert in the first place. Instead, treat any uncertainty as a potential hazard until proven otherwise. The next step is to immediately contact your retailer, supplier, or Keyera Energy directly to arrange for a free professional inspection. You should not wait for a scheduled delivery or maintenance visit; initiate this process now. If you receive propane via delivery to a storage tank, call the company that delivers it. If you purchase propane at retail locations in portable refillable cylinders, reach out to the store where you bought them or contact Keyera Energy directly using the toll-free number 844-879-8419, available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. You can also email propane@keyera.com or visit www.keyera.com and click on “Propane Safety Update” on the Corporate Responsibility page, or go directly to www.keypropaneupdate.com for more information. Their goal is to verify whether the propane contains insufficient odorant levels. If the inspection confirms that your propane is under-odorized, Keyera Energy will arrange for either additional odorization of the gas in your tank or a complete replacement of the under-odorized propane with properly treated gas. This service is provided at no cost to you. It is vital that you allow professionals to handle this correction. Do not attempt to mix chemicals or add odorants yourself, as improper handling of propane and chemical additives can create severe fire or explosion risks. Ensure that any work is done by qualified technicians who understand the specific requirements for safe propane distribution. While you are arranging for the inspection and remedy, take immediate precautionary measures in your home or business. Install or verify that you have carbon monoxide alarms in all areas where propane appliances are used, such as kitchens, bedrooms, and near heating systems. These alarms provide a critical second layer of safety if a leak occurs. If at any point you smell even a faint odor of gas—whether from the recalled batch or otherwise—do not wait for an inspection. Immediately leave the building or area. Do not light matches, turn on lights, or operate any electrical switches, as these actions can create sparks that ignite gas leaks. Once you are in a safe location outside, call 911 or your local gas supplier to report the potential leak. By following these steps, you ensure that the hazard is addressed safely and effectively without putting yourself or others at risk.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you are among the customers affected by this recall from Keyera Energy, the good news is that the remedy provided is straightforward and designed to resolve the safety issue without placing a financial burden on you. It is important to understand right away that Keyera Energy does not sell propane directly to individual consumers or retailers. Instead, they act as a supplier to distributors who then sell to you. Because of this supply chain structure, the process for getting your propane fixed or replaced involves a few specific steps, but it remains entirely free of charge if you follow the official guidance. The core of the remedy is not a refund in the traditional sense of returning money for a product you keep. Rather, it is a service-based correction. If you have had propane delivered to your storage tanks, or if you purchase from retailers who distribute Keyera Energy products, you need to initiate an inspection first. You should immediately contact your retailer, supplier, or Keyera Energy directly to arrange for this free inspection. The purpose of this inspection is to confirm whether the propane in your tank contains insufficient levels of odorant. Odorant is the chemical added to natural gas and propane to give it that distinctive "rotten egg" smell, which allows you to detect leaks. Without enough of this odorant, the gas is effectively invisible and undetectable by smell until it reaches dangerous concentrations. If the inspection confirms that your propane is under-odorized, Keyera Energy will arrange for either additional odorization or a replacement of the under-odorized propane. This means they will send out professionals to treat the gas currently in your tank with the proper amount of odorant, or they may choose to replace the entire batch of gas if that is deemed more practical. In either scenario, you should not have to pay for this correction. The goal is to restore the safety feature that was missing, ensuring that any future leaks will be detectable by your nose. To get this process started, you have several options for contact. You can call Keyera Energy toll-free at 844-879-8419 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time. Alternatively, you can send an email to propane@keyera.com. For more detailed information on the update, you can visit their Corporate Responsibility page at www.keyera.com and click on “Propane Safety Update,” or go directly to www.keypropaneupdate.com. These resources are updated with specific details about the recall scope, so check them if you are unsure if your specific batch is affected. Remember, during this entire process, do not attempt to test the propane yourself. Testing for odorant levels requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Attempting to do it on your own could expose you to unnecessary risk without providing useful information. Let the professionals handle the inspection and correction. Once the inspection is complete and the remedy is applied, your propane will be safe to use again, with the critical safety feature of proper odorization restored. If you ever smell gas during or after this process, leave the area immediately and call 911.What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall involves the failure of a critical safety mechanism like an odorant in propane gas, ignoring the notice is not merely an inconvenience; it is a gamble with immediate and severe physical consequences. The core issue here is that the recalled propane lacks sufficient levels of the chemical added to give it a distinctive smell. Under normal circumstances, this odor acts as your primary early-warning system, allowing you to detect a leak before it reaches dangerous concentrations. Without that warning, gas can accumulate silently in your home, garage, or business space until it hits an ignition source.
The hazard is twofold: fire and explosion. Propane is heavier than air, meaning it does not simply dissipate upward like natural gas. Instead, it pools in low-lying areas such as basements, crawl spaces, or the bottom of storage tanks. If you continue to use under-odorized propane without having it inspected and corrected, you are effectively living with a hidden fuel source. The slightest spark can trigger a catastrophic event. This includes static electricity from walking across a carpet, the electrical arc from turning on a light switch, or even the friction of metal tools being moved nearby. Once ignited, the resulting fire can spread rapidly, engulfing structures and belongings in seconds. An explosion can cause structural damage to buildings, shatter windows, and send debris flying with enough force to cause serious blunt trauma injuries.
Thermal burns are another significant risk. Even if an explosion does not occur, a sustained leak can lead to a flash fire or a controlled burn that releases intense heat. Consumers who are unaware of the leak because they cannot smell it may be caught off guard when the gas finally ignites, leading to severe thermal injuries to the skin and respiratory tract. Inhaling propane in high concentrations can also displace oxygen in your lungs, leading to dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, which complicates any attempt to escape safely.
According to the current recall facts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there have been no reported incidents, injuries, or deaths associated with this specific batch of Keyera Energy propane as of the recall date. This silence in the incident report is fortunate but does not eliminate the risk; it simply means that bad luck has not yet struck. However, the potential for harm remains constant and high. Ignoring the recall leaves you vulnerable to a scenario where detection is delayed until it is too late. The only way to ensure your safety is to act immediately by contacting Keyera Energy or your supplier to arrange for the free inspection and remedy. Do not wait for a smell that may never come.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a critical gap in the odorization of propane supplied by Keyera Energy, long-term safety with any fuel-burning appliance or gas storage system relies on proactive habits and reliable detection technology. Propane is naturally colorless and odorless; the distinctive "rotten egg" smell you are accustomed to is an additive called mercaptan, intentionally injected to alert you to leaks. When that additive fails, as it did in this instance, your home’s secondary defense systems become your primary line of protection. This makes regular maintenance of safety devices not just a recommendation, but a necessity.
First and foremost, ensure you have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms installed on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Carbon monoxide is a silent, deadly byproduct of incomplete combustion in propane heaters, stoves, and grills. Even if you can smell the propane, CO may still be accumulating invisibly. Test these alarms monthly by pressing the test button and replace the batteries at least once a year, or whenever the unit chirps to signal a low battery. Consider installing hardwired alarms with battery backup for continuous protection during power outages.
Regular visual and sensory inspections of your propane equipment are also vital. Check hoses and connections on grills, fire pits, and indoor appliances for cracks, wear, or corrosion before each use. If you ever notice a persistent smell of gas that does not dissipate quickly after turning off the appliance, treat it as an emergency even if you cannot identify the source. Do not attempt to locate the leak yourself with a flame. Instead, leave the area immediately and call your gas supplier or emergency services from a safe distance outside.
Finally, stay informed about product recalls beyond just propane. Sign up for safety alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via their email notification service or mobile app. Many hazards, whether they involve faulty wiring in appliances, lead paint on toys, or defective fuel sources, are announced publicly long after the risk has begun. By keeping your devices well-maintained and your knowledge up-to-date, you transform passive ownership into active safety management.
- Test CO Alarms Monthly: A simple button press can save a life if batteries are dead or sensors have failed.
- Inspect Hoses Annually: Replace rubber hoses on grills every five years, or sooner if you see signs of cracking or brittleness.
- Ventilate Properly: Never use propane appliances in enclosed spaces like garages or tents unless they are specifically designed for indoor use with proper ventilation.
- Know Your Shut-Off: Locate the main valve on your propane tank and know how to turn it off quickly in case of a major leak or fire.