Yes, many gas stations carry propane tanks, typically the standard 20-pound size used for outdoor grills and patio heaters. These locations rarely offer on-site refilling services but instead participate in popular tank exchange programs. Gas stations attached to large convenience store chains are especially reliable places to find these tanks when you need one quickly.
Prevalence and Storage Location
Propane tank exchange services are widely available at gas stations, generally facilitated by major national propane suppliers. These suppliers partner with high-traffic retail locations, including convenience stores, to distribute their pre-filled tanks. Tanks are readily accessible during the hours the store is open.
The tanks are stored in specialized, locked metal cages located outside the main building, often near the entrance or along the side of the structure. This outdoor placement is mandated by safety regulations, such as the NFPA standard 58, which addresses the storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas. Storing propane outdoors ensures adequate ventilation and maintains the required safe distance from building openings or ignition sources. The enclosures prevent unauthorized access and physical damage.
Exchange Versus Refill Options
Gas stations almost exclusively offer a propane tank exchange service, which involves swapping your empty tank for a full, recertified one. This system prioritizes speed and convenience, allowing consumers to complete the transaction in minutes. In contrast, a propane tank refill requires specialized equipment and trained personnel to pump liquefied petroleum gas directly into the consumer’s tank, a service rarely provided by gas stations.
The exchange model is attractive to operators because it requires minimal staff training, eliminates the need for complex on-site filling equipment, and reduces regulatory overhead. Exchange tanks are typically filled to approximately 75% of the tank’s maximum capacity (about 15 pounds in a standard 20-pound tank). This practice leaves a necessary vapor space inside the cylinder, allowing the liquid propane to expand safely as the ambient temperature rises.
Completing the Propane Tank Transaction
The transaction begins inside the gas station or convenience store. The consumer informs the cashier they wish to purchase a new tank or exchange an empty one. Payment must be completed at the register before the tank is retrieved from the outdoor cage.
Once paid for, a store attendant accompanies the customer outside to the locked metal cage. The attendant unlocks the enclosure to facilitate the swap and retrieve a full tank. If exchanging, the attendant visually inspects the old tank for damage or excessive rust before accepting it. The full tank is then released to the customer for transport.