What's Going on with Price of PG?

submitted over 5 years ago by akkruse

I've noticed a pretty big spike in the price of PG lately since things have gotten crazy with the coronavirus. I usually get PG from Amazon so I'm not sure if this is just an Amazon thing (since they're focusing on "essential products"), or if it's PG in general regardless of the vendor/site (I'm not sure how much it usually costs from other places).

This is what I usually get: https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B005PZBRUC

The price has went from around $12.50 up to $25.

So I checked a different brand: https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B005F5OJG6

The price went from under $15 up to about $23.

Is this just because I'm looking on Amazon and their recent changes due to the virus? Or have PG prices went up everywhere? If it's just Amazon, any recommendations for where else to get it? I was planning on getting a gallon this time around but these price swings kind of caught me off guard.

UPDATE It seems like at least River Supply and Bull City Flavors still have PG at their normal prices. The increases I've seen appear to be either specific to these particular brands or products sold on Amazon. This could be in part due to current supply issues, but it's also worth noting that PG/VG can be used to make DIY hand sanitizer and other cleaning/hygiene products.

UPDATE #2 It looks like it's the particular vendors that are raising prices, it's not all PG and not only things listed on Amazon. I looked at a gallon of Essential Depot PG to see what I could figure out.

Amazon price history: https://camelcamelcamel.com/product/B01K8UB5VO

Their own website: http://www.essentialdepot.com/product/PROPYLENE-GLYCOL-GALLON.html

Their website as of 9/22/2019: https://web.archive.org/web/20190922055518/http://www.essentialdepot.com/product/PROPYLENE-GLYCOL-GALLON.html

The price direct from their website on 9/22/2019 was $27.33 (which may or may not include some discounts listed, I'm not sure). The price on Amazon was around $31 at that time (so in the same neighborhood, maybe a little higher on Amazon to cover shipping costs that are charging separately when buying direct from their website). The price direct from their website is currently $39.86, compared to $49.97 on Amazon. It seems like Essential Depot (along with some others) have raised prices across the board, maybe even moreso when buying from Amazon, while other vendor prices remain unchanged from even four years ago (ex. River Supply). It's also interesting that Essential Depot has PG under a "Sanitizer and Cleaner Ingredients" category that did not exist in September.

I'm not too sure how I should feel about all of this.

Comments

12 points

by probywan1337over 5 years agoI will rip you a new one if you don't use the sidebar & search.

I had to buy some the other day from BCF because everything was overpriced where I usually get it. They shipped it to my door within 2 days which is even faster than amazon atm

3 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. That kind of sucks because I just had an order with them like last week and qualified for free shipping, I guess I should have checked out the PG a little sooner.

11 points

by dimspaceover 5 years ago

A scientific study (from 1942) found that pg, especially airborne pg in a spray was a pretty powerful anti viral.

Few places reported on that and so everyone has been buying it.

The study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2135271

7 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Awesome :/ but you shouldn't be vaping, because you don't know what's in that stuff /s

3 points

by Samsoundrocksover 5 years agoDiketones, Schmiketones

Oh my god, they're washing their hands with antifreeze!

2 points

by lvl5Lokiover 5 years ago

Anti bacterial. The conditions needed for it to work as an antibacterial can never be replicated with our devices.

2 points

by dimspaceover 5 years ago

that doesnt stop people from buying it and washing their hands in it. Its armageddon. people latch onto anything, including studies from 80 years ago

They arent buying it for vaping. The panicmongers are buying it for handwashing and spraying on their shopping.

10 points

by Apexifiedover 5 years agoThe Kingmaker

Check out River Supply. You've always been paying too much if you're buying PG/VG from Amazon (but that Prime shipping is hard to beat)

But yes, it's probably just a supply chain issue or some mild price gouging with that as the excuse ;)

11 points

by righteous__userover 5 years ago

Wouldn't call 400-500% price increase mild price gouging. These hoarders are obsessed with ass. Buy all the toilet paper for wiping it. Then swipe all the hand sanitizer along with vg to make more because they can't stop picking their ass. But here's the impressive part. They do all that with their head up it..

5 points

by leadpipe58over 5 years ago

Another great point is $50 free shipping. A gallon of PG and a 2.5 Gallon of VG would do it. Good quality.

3 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

I've seen that before but that didn't seem to be the case years ago when I did some checking around once you factor in shipping.

I just checked River Supply, $30.55 for a gallon of PG shipped right now. Based on the Amazon prices like a month ago before they shot up, this would have been $27 at Amazon with prime shipping. Granted not a huge savings, but Amazon was actually cheaper. It's also different brands. And if PG prices are up across the board, then comparing Amazon's price from before the spike to River Supply's current price wouldn't be a fair comparison. Given the price spikes on Amazon, I'm not sure what the right comparison would be.

6 points

by Apexifiedover 5 years agoThe Kingmaker

The key is not to pay shipping. If you're not hitting the $50 for free shipping, I wouldn't recommend RS. It's easy to do if you add some VG, PG, Nic and a few flavors, though.

4 points

by MimiLoves2Vapeover 5 years ago

You must feel like a broken record at this point because you told me the same thing. I'm sooooooo glad I listened to everyone and bought mine on the 17th from RS. For any other newbie that's stocking up that reads this. Don't question just: Go. Buy. Now!

2 points

by HarryWizover 5 years ago

When I was buying last year from RS since I don't use nic I often just paid shipping. I don't vape much so when I started to DIY last year I placed to nice sized orders and as I got into and found a recipe to try I was guilty of buying just enough flavors for one or two recipes so I ended up paying shipping. I think I'll get into DIY soon again (been busy doing other things) and I'll probably just buy more VG and some more flavors.

1 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Good point, getting free shipping would definitely make a difference. That might have been part of why I decided to go with Amazon years ago, so I didn't have to worry about hitting minimums (and could wait till the last minute with the prime shipping 🙂). As of right now, I'm actually pretty stocked up on everything except PG.

1 points

by Bass_Monsterover 5 years ago

Preach, this is my method as well. Definitely a good deal and good quality.

8 points

by BlazeDemBeatzover 5 years agoMentholatier

I typically have been using Amazon Prime and buying Essential depot for the last 2 years or so. And I seen they went up to 80$ for a gallon of VG which is insane.

As others have noted, both BCF and NR have maintained the same price and aren’t trying to gouge us. Best bet is order a few bottles of flavoring you might want to stock up on so you can get the free shipping with them.

5 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

That's crazy, I ordered a gallon of Essential Depot VG from Amazon on February 28 for $27.97. I'm glad I decided to pull the trigger when I did because I was kind of hesitating for a few days (wasn't sure if I wanted to do the quart again or move up to a gallon).

4 points

by heaterisover 5 years ago

Same here. It was $26 via amazon prime on December 30 ‘19. Cheapest is RN is $58 via 2rs party seller.

Heartland vapes has decent prices and free shipping over $50.

2 points

by BlazeDemBeatzover 5 years agoMentholatier

Yeah I knew I was low but was procrastinating my purchase. One day it was regular price the next it was 80$. I can’t explain their reasoning as no one else has risen the price. Shrugs

2 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

I've seen others that have raised prices too, but not that dramatically. They were also on Amazon (see my OP). Someone else pointed out that PG can be used to make DIY hand sanitizer, so that might help explain (but not justify) some of the crazy prices (especially on Amazon).

1 points

by falls_asleep_readingover 5 years agoProud Sidebar Reader!

Did you report the $80/g price to Amazon?

Amazon has been removing listings of "essential" items (and a component of hand sanitizer is pretty much the definition of "essential") where price gouging is an issue because Congress hit them pretty hard about it a couple weeks ago.

3 points

by Rageccover 5 years ago

If that is the case indeed they do need to be reported. There is no sense in gouging in the time fellow people are in need. I know people are greedy but it’s just wrong.

1 points

by falls_asleep_readingover 5 years agoProud Sidebar Reader!

Heartland Vapes. They're local to me and I just got an email from them the other day: their prices have not changed and are still incredibly reasonable. You'll have to pay shipping, of course, but right now, you'd have to pay it no matter what most places.

Please don't hug o' death them... and please leave a little for me. :D

6 points

by Fejszeover 5 years ago

~~Haven't needed to pick any up,~~ ~~but~~~~, PG is used with everclear or rubbing alcohol to make a DIY hand sanitizer. Probably why it's not as easy to come by~~

I had it wrong, it's VG as pointed out below, take away your upvotes, spreading false info on Reddit

6 points

by mkweiseover 5 years agoMissing One Flavor

Annual production of PG is over 2 million tons, and there is no shortage of the bulk chemical. If you want to buy a tanker truck full of PG, or even a 55 gallon drum, see https://www.americanchemicalsuppliers.com/content/page/propylene-glycol

However, there may be temporary supply disruptions affecting the availability of PG bottled in consumer-friendly sizes (1 gallon and below.)

6 points

by SvenskGhotiover 5 years ago

> PG is used with everclear or rubbing alcohol to make a DIY hand sanitizer.

No, that's glycerol (VG).

3 points

by mkweiseover 5 years agoMissing One Flavor

Correct, the official WHO DIY recipe does not use any PG and only a small amount (less than 2%) of VG: https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Guide_to_Local_Production.pdf

3 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Ah I see, that makes a lot more sense when combined with other supply issues. Thanks for the insight.

2 points

by Tallyessinover 5 years agoMissing One Flavor

You can use PG as well. PG and VG are both good humectants. PG is a bit too runny to use on its own, but I am using up the 5L container of 50/50 that I don't use except for caliburn mixes.

1 points

by Tallyessinover 5 years agoMissing One Flavor

Correction. Runniness is a good thing. The more liquid the better, apparently. You also don't need anything like as much humectant as I have put in.

3 points

by mkweiseover 5 years agoMissing One Flavor

LNW and River Supply still have gallons of PG in stock for $20. River Supply offers free shipping on orders of $50+.

3 points

by TheFriendlyCactus1over 5 years ago

Everybody is at home shopping, Amazon prices are ridiculous right now

2 points

by texasdeafdogsover 5 years ago

Price seems the same here. I get mine from tsc and pickup in store(well curbside now) to save extra shipping. I use it for mixing heartworm preventative but it is USP quality which I believe is good enough for ejuice.

link

2 points

by kuri_sanTouover 5 years agoDiketones, Schmiketones

And I was pissed I had to buy 500 ml of PG from RiverSupply, the smallest bottle they have. I don't need that much PG but I feel better now.

2 points

by Kewkewmoreover 5 years agojust add sucralose

There's probably increased demand driving wholesale prices up.

2 points

by Maiky38over 5 years ago

Price gauging, most stores have been doing this since mid February.

1 points

by [deleted]over 5 years ago

[removed]

8 points

by Apexifiedover 5 years agoThe Kingmaker

Removed. You should know better :P

1 points

by apocalypticdiynewbover 5 years ago

Are links not allowed?

2 points

by Apexifiedover 5 years agoThe Kingmaker

It's all good, you've only had 6 months to read the rules.

Yes, links to sites that sell nic aren't allowed anywhere on Reddit. But even people who have been here for years slip up, so it's no big deal. Just giving you a hard time ;)

2 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Any idea how much their PG usually is (and if it's currently more than what it has been in the past)? Maybe you could check one of your past orders?

4 points

by Apexifiedover 5 years agoThe Kingmaker

Just checked and it was the same price in 2016. It has dropped a few times to $18.99/gal but it hasn't fluctuated much more than that.

1 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Awesome, thanks for the update. So apparently the spikes I'm seeing are either specific to Amazon or there particular brands, and it's not all PG. Thanks for checking, I appreciate it!

1 points

by Morgan_Druryover 5 years agoCoil Sauce Sommelier

People are using PG and VG as ingredients to make hand sanitizer, soap and other hygiene/disinfectant products.

Btw hobbyists have been doing this for a long time. It's just with everything currently going on the general population has locked on to doing so.

VG can be used as a replacement for sweeteners in food recipes. If there were to be a sugar shortage, VG would be sought after for that.

Another thing. VG can also be used as a way to soften and rehydrate leather.

1 points

by pxlcrisisover 5 years ago

For VG prices at least, I guarantee it is a direct result of our hand sanitizer shortage. Hand sanitizer is pretty much just vg and alcohol

1 points

by cldzvpover 5 years ago

Amazon has gone crazy. You shouldn't buy vape supplies through amazon anyway.

I went with River Supply last year then LNW this year. Both are good. I had more luck with LNW in terms of VG quality, it just vapes cleaner.

0 points

by ccbbb23over 5 years ago

This is to your last edit, "I'm not too sure how I should feel about all of this."

Here is my guess. Right now, everything is in flux. So, be prepared for any amount of change from what was happening before. Everyone is trying to figure out how to make it to the next day. After the plague is gone, I am guessing that everyone will be adding a sterilization or testing or something similar type of fee(s).

These changes will make me need more nicotine to stay calm, so I will gladly pay here rather than buying those nasty, stinky ass cigarettes, which will go up too.

"It's the end of the world as we know it.

It's the end of the world as we know it.

2 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. I know everything is kind of in flux, and some prices need to be adjusted accordingly. But for some vendors to double their prices, while other vendor prices go unchanged... that feels like they're simply trying to take advantage of the situation and customers.

EDIT: maybe I should clarify. I can maybe be more understanding of vendors that went from $20 to $25, it's the ones that went from $12.50 up to $25 that seem a bit unreasonable.

1 points

by Morgan_Druryover 5 years agoCoil Sauce Sommelier

That's nothing. Hit up eBay and take a look at how much people are willing to pay for a 10 pack of n95 3M masks.

1 points

by LeRoyVossover 5 years ago

Hiya,

I'm a police officer.

-1 points

by Kadaj22over 5 years ago

Yeah.. it would’ve been better to just do a quick google search to see what prices are like at different retailers..

3 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

That's great for finding out the current prices, but doesn't tell me much about how that compares to prices a month or two ago.

0 points

by Kadaj22over 5 years ago

You could compare it to amazons prices.

3 points

by akkruseover 5 years ago

Then you either end up comparing two different brands that are going to have different prices anyways, or the same brand that would have likely raised prices everywhere they're sold.