The Weekly Fill-Up | January 5-9

January 5, 2026

The first full week of January often sets the tone for the rest of winter. With holiday schedules behind us and normal routines returning, fuel and propane demand typically picks back up across eastern South Dakota. Cold temperatures, winter hauling, and daily operations all depend on consistent access to fuel, diesel fuel, and propane—making this an important week for planning rather than reacting.

Diesel fuel prices have remained relatively steady entering the new year, with no major swings following the holidays. While pricing is still higher than last winter, the market has settled into a predictable winter pattern. For Sioux Valley Coop members, that stability shifts the focus away from waiting on price movement and toward securing dependable supply. Snow events, wind, and extreme cold can quickly impact transportation and delivery timing, so keeping diesel tanks well above minimum levels remains one of the best ways to avoid disruptions for trucks, loaders, generators, and service vehicles.

Fuel usage often increases this week as operations return to a normal pace. Even without harvest activity, winter fuel consumption can rise due to longer idle times, cold starts, snow removal, and livestock care. Reviewing fuel levels now and confirming delivery schedules early in the week helps ensure availability before weather tightens flexibility later in January.

Propane continues to play a critical role as heating demand stays high. National propane inventories remain above seasonal averages, which has helped maintain relatively stable pricing so far this winter. Locally, however, extended cold stretches can cause propane usage to climb faster than expected. When temperatures drop and demand spikes, delivery schedules can tighten quickly. Checking tank levels and scheduling fills proactively this week can help avoid last-minute needs during peak demand periods.

The January 5–9 timeframe is also a natural point to look ahead. Historically, January and February bring the coldest weather of the year and often the highest propane and winter fuel demand. Using this week to review tank capacity, delivery frequency, and anticipated usage allows Sioux Valley Coop members to stay ahead of winter rather than chasing it.

Overall, this week reinforces a familiar winter message: fuel and propane markets may be steady, but logistics are sensitive. Planning ahead, maintaining communication, and scheduling deliveries early remain the most reliable ways to keep operations consistent and dependable through the heart of winter. Sioux Valley Coop remains committed to supporting members with reliable fuel supply and local service to help start the year strong and powered locally.

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