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Farming is more than just planting and harvesting—it’s a business that runs on energy as much as it does on sunshine and rain. From powering irrigation pumps and grain dryers to fueling tractors and trucks, the cost of energy has a big impact on the bottom line.
As the seasons change and markets shift, keeping an eye on natural gas, electricity, propane, and fuel prices can feel like a full-time job in itself. That’s why having a trusted partner to help navigate the ups and downs of the energy markets is so valuable—because when you’re focused on growing food, you shouldn’t have to worry about chasing fuel prices too.
Here’s a concise end-of-summer snapshot for Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Ohio, with a quick harvest-season outlook.
National retail regular has been remarkably steady this summer—hovering ~$3.10–$3.21/gal since early June. Regionally, the East Coast (covers PA/MD) has averaged just under $3.00 in late August, while the Midwest (covers OH) has been around $3.00–$3.08. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
Weekly U.S. Regular All Formulations Retail Gasoline Prices (Dollars per Gallon) | EIA.gov
Diesel has eased modestly in August after holding near $3.70–$3.80/gal for much of early summer; late-August readings are ~$3.71–$3.73 nationally, with East Coast and Midwest near the same. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
U.S. On-Highway Diesel Fuel Prices*(dollars per gallon) | EIA.gov
Summer pricing is typically quiet, but two items stand out: (1) a rare late-July draw on U.S. propane inventories nudged wholesale prices higher, and (2) EIA’s August STEO keeps winter residential propane near the mid-$2s/gal nationally—still historically moderate. For the tri-state ag sector, that means pre-harvest fills have generally been available at reasonable numbers, but local basis can pop if crop-drying demand spikes. (LP Gas, U.S. Energy Information Administration)
Note: EIA collects retail propane weekly only Oct–Mar; summer snapshots rely on monthly/wholesale data and stocks.
A late-June heat wave pushed PJM to its highest peak load since 2011 and spiked next-day prices at PJM West (PA) above $200/MWh; otherwise, day-ahead prices through July–August trended back toward typical summer levels. (PJM Inside Lines, Reuters, EnergyOnline)
Looking ahead to bills, PJM’s latest capacity auction outcomes point to higher capacity charges across many PJM states (incl. PA, MD, OH), which can flow into retail costs over the coming year. (Business Insider)
Benchmark Henry Hub spot prices slipped over the summer: EIA’s monthly series shows ~$3.02/MMBtu in June and ~$3.20 in July; EIA’s latest weekly update has spot near $2.80–$2.90 in late August. In short, gas has been range-bound to slightly lower over the last three months. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
For Appalachia specifically (Marcellus/Utica underpins PA/OH supply), basin pricing hit a one-year low in June before basis firmed in July–August; producers and hedgers expect weather and regional production to drive near-term moves with no big new egress changes. (aegis-hedging.com)
Structurally, PJM-region power demand from data centers and prospective pipeline additions keep medium-term gas demand constructive in the Northeast. (Reuters)
With crude balanced and refining runs solid, EIA’s near-term outlook implies stable to slightly softer diesel vs. midsummer, barring hurricane-related refinery disruptions. Keep an eye on distillate inventories, which EIA expects to be tight into year-end—any supply pinch or early cold could lift farm-diesel quickly. Consider staggering deliveries before peak harvest. (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
Grain-drying demand is highly weather-dependent; wet or late harvests can tighten local propane supply and raise basis even when national inventories look comfortable. Locking in transport and on-site storage ahead of October reduces risk.
Expect continued electricity spot-price volatility on very hot/cold days, and upward pressure from capacity charges over the next billing cycles in PJM states (PA/MD/OH). If you have interval metering, revisit demand charges and shift flexible loads (cooling, aeration fans, irrigation pumping) off late-afternoon peaks where practical.
Spot remains inexpensive by recent standards and regional supply in PA/OH is robust, but shoulder-season cold snaps and LNG/export headlines can jolt prices. If natural gas is a large cost, layering some fixed-price blocks for Oct–Nov while leaving shoulder volumes index-based can balance risk.
As we enter the end-of-summer look for steadier gasoline, slightly easing diesel, soft natural gas, mostly normal PJM power outside heat spikes, and generally manageable propane—unless harvest weather turns wet. Lock in diesel and propane ahead of peak demand, and prep for occasional power price spikes even as overall PJM costs drift up from capacity charges.
If you’re look for an energy partner that can help keep your farm running and stay up-to-date on energy market trends, reach out to Shipley Energy today! Ask about our discounts for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau members.
The Shipley Energy team had a great time at Penn State Ag Progress Days, August 12-14th! The team was there to serve customers, educate on fuel trends, and help PA Farm Bureau members with fuel planning and discounts.
