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The Weekly Fill-Up | December 8-12
As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, energy inputs—diesel, propane, oils, and DEF—become more than just essentials for field work. For farms, shops, and businesses across eastern South Dakota, this week’s market signals offer important guidance for how to move forward with fueling, maintenance, and heating decisions.
Diesel continues to show resilience. Recent data indicates that retail diesel prices in the U.S. have climbed to roughly $3.84 per gallon, an increase of about 8.5% compared to this time last year. For local operations still hauling grain, transporting supplies, or prepping equipment for winter, this stability—without any noticeable drop—suggests that now is a favorable time to secure volume or contract deliveries. With nationwide distillate inventories projected to remain at multiyear lows through 2025 and 2026, the risk of price spikes remains if supply tightens or demand increases.
The propane outlook is cautiously optimistic. According to the latest winter fuels forecast, U.S. propane inventories began the season well above the five-year average—a buffer that helps stabilize supply and moderate price pressures. For those using propane for grain drying, shop heat, or livestock facilities, this inventory strength provides valuable breathing room. It’s an ideal time to assess tank levels and secure fill-ups before heating demand accelerates.
On the maintenance front, lubrication oils, hydraulic fluids, greases, and filters are gaining importance once again. As field equipment transitions from harvest mode to winter storage or maintenance, many machines will sit idle for weeks—yet they still require proper upkeep. With some specialty oil supply chains stretched in rural areas, placing orders ahead of colder weather helps ensure maintenance can stay on schedule.
DEF remains a necessary but often overlooked piece of winter readiness. Even as hauling activity slows, proper storage and routine monitoring of DEF tanks remain important—especially as temperatures drop and logistics challenges increase.
Altogether, this week’s energy-market signals point to a favorable window for Sioux Valley Coop patrons to prepare for a smooth winter season. Diesel is steady, propane supply is strong, and maintenance products are available—but the margin for error tightens as weather conditions and market pressures evolve. Securing fuel volumes, topping off propane tanks, and ordering oils and DEF now can help reduce risk later and keep your operation powered locally all winter long.
Sources
- U.S. Retail Diesel Price — EIA data (Nov 2025)
- U.S. Distillate Inventory Forecast, 2025–2026 — Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- Winter Fuels Outlook 2025–2026 — Propane supply and pricing trends