What does propane smell like?

Propane smells like rotten eggs, a skunk’s spray, or a dead animal. Some people may have difficulty smelling propane due to their age (older people may have a less sensitive sense of smell); a medical condition; or the effects of medication, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

Odor Loss

On rare occasions, propane can lose its odor. Several things can cause this including:

  • The presence of air, water, or rust in a propane tank or cylinder
  • The passage of leaking propane through the soil

Note: Since there is a possibility of odor loss or problems with your sense of smell, you should respond immediately to even a faint odor of gas.