The Weekly Fill-Up | January 19-23

January 19, 2026

Late January is often when winter fuel habits become routine—and that’s exactly when attention can slip. Cold temperatures remain consistent, daylight is still limited, and fuel and propane usage settles into a steady but demanding pattern across eastern South Dakota. For Sioux Valley Coop members, this week is about staying disciplined with fuel planning to avoid unnecessary stress as winter continues.

Diesel fuel prices have remained relatively stable through the middle of January, with little week-to-week movement. While prices are still elevated compared to last winter, the market has shown few signs of meaningful softening. That makes reliability the priority. Winter weather can quickly disrupt delivery routes, and even a short delay can cause issues for operations that rely on diesel daily. Keeping bulk tanks comfortably filled and scheduling deliveries ahead of time remains one of the most effective ways to protect against interruptions for trucks, loaders, generators, and service equipment.

Fuel consumption during this stretch of winter is often underestimated. Even without harvest activity, cold starts, extended idle times, snow removal, and daily livestock care can increase fuel burn. Reviewing usage patterns now—especially compared to early January—can help members anticipate whether delivery frequency needs to be adjusted as winter wears on.

Propane demand continues to run strong as heating needs remain high. National inventories entered winter in good shape, which has helped keep pricing relatively steady so far. Locally, however, propane usage can climb quickly during prolonged cold spells, especially for livestock buildings, shops, and rural homes. When cold weather lingers, delivery schedules can tighten, making it important to check tank levels regularly and plan fills before tanks reach low levels.

This week is also a good reminder that the coldest part of winter often extends well into February. Using this time to confirm tank capacity, review delivery schedules, and communicate upcoming needs with Sioux Valley Coop can help ensure smoother service during the remaining weeks of winter. Small adjustments now can prevent last-minute issues later.

Overall, the market message this week is steady but unforgiving. Fuel and propane are available, but winter conditions leave little room for error. Planning ahead, monitoring usage, and staying proactive with deliveries continue to be the best tools Sioux Valley Coop members have to keep operations running smoothly through late winter.

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