Propane is a fuel gas that comes from petroleum and natural gas processing. It's stored as a liquid under pressure in metal tanks, but when released, it instantly becomes a gas that burns with a very hot flame.

You've probably seen propane tanks connected to outdoor grills for backyard barbecues. The tank might look empty, but inside, liquid propane waits under pressure. Turn the knob, and propane flows out as a gas through the burner, where it ignites to cook hamburgers and hot dogs.

Propane powers much more than grills. In rural areas without natural gas pipelines, families use large propane tanks to heat their homes and water. Farmers use propane to dry crops and heat barns. Forklifts in warehouses often run on propane because it burns cleanly indoors. Some buses and delivery trucks use propane instead of gasoline because it produces less pollution.

The gas itself has no smell, but companies add a distinctive odor (like rotten eggs) so people can detect dangerous leaks. Because propane is under pressure in its tank, it must be handled carefully and stored properly. When used correctly with the right equipment, propane provides reliable, portable energy for cooking, heating, and powering vehicles in places where other fuels aren't practical.