ST. PAUL — Minnesota propane suppliers are hoping to avoid a repeat of the shortages that hit the Midwest last winter, leading to record high prices and leaving many people without access to the fuel.

So is Gov. Mark Dayton. He’s due to meet with suppliers and users today to discuss where things stand.

The industry has expanded production and storage capacity. One example is a $10 million expansion of a terminal in Rockville. It was already in progress when the shortage hit, but operators sped up the project.

The industry is also urging consumers to buy early to reduce the chances of another crisis this winter.