< Return to News
The Weekly Fill-Up | November 10-14
As the calendar flips to November and winter’s pace begins picking up, the energy markets that power agriculture are showing both opportunity and caution for operations across eastern South Dakota. Fuel, lubricants, DEF and propane are all in play—your timing and decisions now will matter more than you might think.
Retail diesel in the U.S. is holding at around $3.75 per gallon, with year-over-year increases of over five cents in many regions. While the number itself isn’t dramatically different from recent weeks, the fact that pricing remains firm suggests that we’re no longer in a clear downtrend. For farm fleets, grain hauling, and other high-volume users, this signals a “steady but not static” market. That means now is a strong moment to lock in volume if your operation still has open diesel needs, especially ahead of heavier ice- or snow-related logistics premiums.
On the lubricant and maintenance fluid front, the markets are quiet but the window for advantage remains open. The fall field-to-facility shift often brings higher use of hydraulic fluids, greases and filters as equipment moves from harvest mode into winter readiness. While prices haven’t spiked, parts and specialty oils are still subject to rural delivery delays. Pre-ordering and aligning your service intervals now make strong sense.
DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) continues to be one of the less visible but more critical inputs in this transitional season. With residual fleet activity and heavy hauling still continuing, consumption is elevated. At the same time, storage, temperature-sensitivity, and delivery logistics are more important than ever as colder weather moves in. Ordering early and checking storage conditions pays off.
Propane enters this week with arguably the strongest supply backdrop of the energy inputs. U.S. inventories are well above the five-year average and federal outlooks expect manageable pricing through the early winter months. For operations using propane for grain drying, shop heating or livestock buildings, this is a strategic time to secure supply. While the market appears stable, localized surges in demand and delivery windows in the Midwest mean that waiting too long could reduce flexibility.
Putting it all together: this week’s energy market landscape is one of measured action rather than reactive scrambling. Diesel is stable but not falling, oils and fluids remain accessible but require planning, DEF remains essential and logistics-sensitive, and propane is advantaged—but not devoid of risk. For patrons of Sioux Valley Coop, the cooperative advantage remains your edge: local delivery, regional knowledge, bundled purchasing power and a team aligned with your ag schedule.
In short: use this moment to act. Finalize your diesel volumes, replenish your service-fluids, top off your DEF, and secure your propane needs now. The quiet part of the energy season doesn’t last forever—but planning now ensures you ride it from strength into winter.
Sources
- U.S. No. 2 Diesel Retail Prices — YCharts/FRED data.
- Work Truck Online — “October Diesel Trend Update.”
- U.S. Propane Inventories — U.S. Energy Information Administration analysis.
- OilPrice.com / LPGas Magazine — Propane supply outlook and winter risk.