The Weekly Fill-Up | December 29-January 2

December 29, 2025

The stretch between the end of December and the start of the new year is often one of the most overlooked periods for fuel planning. Holiday schedules, reduced staffing, and winter weather can quietly create challenges for fuel, diesel fuel, and propane supply—even when prices and markets appear calm on the surface. For Sioux Valley Coop members, this is a time when preparation matters more than pricing.

Diesel fuel markets have remained relatively steady heading into year-end, with no major price swings compared to earlier in December. While prices continue to sit higher than last winter, the bigger concern during this time is access and timing. Fewer delivery days, combined with potential snow and cold snaps, can make it harder to schedule fuel when tanks start to run low. Keeping diesel tanks filled before schedules return to normal is one of the simplest ways to avoid interruptions for trucks, loaders, generators, and service vehicles relied on throughout winter.

Fuel usage patterns often shift during this part of the season. While some operations slow slightly during the holidays, cold temperatures increase fuel burn through longer idle times, cold starts, and snow removal. Livestock care, winter hauling, and rural travel don’t pause just because the calendar changes. Taking time now to review fuel levels and confirm delivery timing with Sioux Valley Coop can help ensure a smoother transition into the new year, when normal routines resume and demand often increases.

Propane remains just as important during this period. Heating demand stays high, and extended cold weather can cause propane usage to climb faster than expected. National propane inventories remain above seasonal averages, helping keep pricing relatively stable, but local delivery logistics still matter most. With holiday closures and winter weather limiting flexibility, confirming propane tank levels and scheduled fills ahead of time helps reduce the risk of running low when delivery options are limited.

This is also a natural checkpoint for looking ahead. January and February are typically the coldest months of the year and often bring the highest propane and winter fuel demand. Using this quieter stretch to plan ahead—topping off tanks, reviewing delivery frequency, and communicating anticipated needs—helps Sioux Valley Coop members start the year with fewer surprises and more confidence.

Overall, this week reinforces a familiar winter message: fuel and propane markets may be steady, but logistics are sensitive. Planning ahead during this transition period helps ensure operations stay consistent, reliable, and powered locally as the new year begins. Sioux Valley Coop remains committed to supporting members with dependable fuel supply and local service throughout the winter months.

Sources

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Weekly diesel fuel price and distillate market data
YCharts – U.S. retail diesel fuel price trends
EIA Winter Fuels Outlook – Propane inventory and winter demand conditions
LPGas Magazine – Winter propane supply and cold-weather delivery considerations