The Weekly Fill-Up | December 22-26

December 22, 2025

The week between Christmas and year-end is often one of the quietest on the calendar, but when it comes to diesel fuel and propane, it can also be one of the most important. Holiday schedules, reduced transportation capacity, and colder weather can all combine to create tight delivery windows, even when markets themselves appear calm.

Diesel fuel prices have remained relatively steady heading into the holiday week, with no major swings compared to earlier in December. While prices are still elevated compared to last winter, the market has settled into a predictable pattern. For Sioux Valley Coop patrons, that predictability does not eliminate risk. Fewer trucking days, holiday closures, and winter weather can quickly turn a routine delivery into a delayed one. Keeping diesel tanks comfortably above minimum levels going into the holiday stretch is one of the simplest ways to avoid interruptions, especially for operations that rely on trucks, loaders, generators, or service vehicles during the winter months.

Fuel demand this week tends to be less about volume and more about timing. Even though overall usage may dip slightly with fewer working days, cold temperatures increase idle time and fuel burn. Snow removal, livestock care, and winter hauling still require dependable access to fuel. Planning deliveries before and immediately after the holiday helps reduce the risk of running low when scheduling options are limited.

Propane usage often increases during this time of year, particularly as temperatures remain cold and buildings require consistent heat. National propane inventories remain above average, which has helped keep prices relatively stable heading into late December. However, local demand and delivery logistics matter far more than national totals during a holiday week. When temperatures drop sharply, delivery routes tighten and emergency fills become harder to accommodate. Verifying tank levels now and confirming scheduled deliveries can help avoid last-minute needs during a period when staffing and transport availability are reduced.

The final days of December also serve as a natural checkpoint for looking ahead to January. Fuel and propane usage often increase once normal schedules resume, and winter weather can become more unpredictable after the new year. Using this quieter week to confirm tank levels, review delivery plans, and communicate upcoming needs with Sioux Valley Coop can help ensure a smoother, more reliable start to January.

Overall, the December 22–26 window reinforces a familiar winter message: markets may be steady, but logistics are sensitive. Diesel fuel and propane are readily available, yet timing and preparation matter more than price alone. Planning ahead during the holiday week helps ensure operations remain dependable, efficient, and powered locally as the year comes to a close.

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 delivery considerations