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The Weekly Fill-Up | December 15-19
Mid-December marks a true seasonal shift for energy use across eastern South Dakota. Harvest is behind us, winter weather is settling in, and energy decisions now revolve around reliability, heating demand, and protecting equipment during cold conditions. This week’s market signals are steady on the surface, but they reinforce why planning and timing matter as winter deepens.
Diesel prices continue to hold firm nationally, with only minor week-to-week movement. While there has been no dramatic spike, prices remain noticeably higher than this time last year, reflecting tighter distillate inventories and steady demand from transportation and agriculture. For Sioux Valley Coop patrons still running trucks, loaders, generators, or winter field equipment, this level of pricing suggests the market has found a floor rather than a discount window. Securing supply and keeping tanks topped ahead of severe weather can help avoid delivery delays and winter logistics premiums that often emerge later in the season.
Propane remains one of the more stable energy inputs heading into the second half of winter. National inventory levels are still above the five-year average, helping keep pricing in check despite colder temperatures across the Upper Midwest. That said, local demand is what matters most. Grain drying, livestock buildings, shops, and homes all depend on timely propane delivery, and cold snaps can tighten delivery schedules quickly. This is a good time to reassess tank levels and confirm delivery timing to avoid last-minute fills during peak demand.
Maintenance supplies are quietly taking center stage as equipment transitions fully into winter use. Oils, hydraulic fluids, greases, and filters are essential for cold starts and long-term equipment reliability. Supply chains for some specialty fluids tend to move slower during winter months, particularly in rural areas. Ordering early helps prevent downtime when weather limits flexibility later.
DEF continues to require attention even as overall equipment use slows. Cold temperatures introduce storage and handling challenges, and shortages at the wrong moment can sideline critical equipment. Treating DEF with the same planning mindset as diesel fuel—ordering ahead and verifying proper storage—remains a best practice for winter operations.
Overall, this week’s energy landscape reinforces a familiar theme: stability favors preparation. Diesel is steady but elevated, propane supply is strong but demand-sensitive, and winter maintenance inputs require proactive planning. For Sioux Valley Coop patrons, the cooperative advantage lies in local supply, dependable delivery, and market insight aligned with how energy is actually used.
As winter settles in, staying ahead of fuel, propane, oils, and DEF needs will help ensure your operation remains efficient, dependable, and powered locally through the coldest months of the year.
Sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Weekly petroleum and distillate data
- EIA Winter Fuels Outlook – Propane supply and inventory trends
- YCharts – U.S. retail diesel price trends
- LPGas Magazine – Winter propane market and logistics insights