<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND> This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Blue Rhino Corporation April 30, 1998 condensed consolidated financial
statements and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                            AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                              APR-30-1998
<CASH>                                            440  
<SECURITIES>                                        0         
<RECEIVABLES>                                   4,563
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0
<INVENTORY>                                     1,354
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                6,608 
<PP&E>                                          5,461
<DEPRECIATION>                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 16,578
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           9,953
<BONDS>                                        19,809
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                           9,485
<PREFERRED>                                         0
<COMMON>                                           23
<OTHER-SE>                                   (22,692)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   16,578
<SALES>                                        14,008 
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               14,008
<CGS>                                          10,693         
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  10,693 
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                5,597
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              1,349
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (3,631)
<INCOME-TAX>                                        0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (3,631)
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0 
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0
<CHANGES>                                           0 
<NET-INCOME>                                  (3,631)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (1.71)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (1.71)