< Return to News

The Weekly Fill-Up | October 13-17

As the harvest season winds toward its final stretch across eastern South Dakota, the energy markets that keep agriculture running are showing steady yet nuanced shifts. For Sioux Valley Coop patrons, this week’s signals point toward short-term stability — but also the importance of planning ahead as colder weather and heating demand start to build.

Diesel prices across the region continue to hover in a comfortable range, with the South Dakota average sitting near $3.30 per gallon. The Midwest market overall has seen little week-to-week change, though national data shows a gradual tightening of inventories as transportation demand remains firm. The balance between harvest fuel demand and refining output is what’s keeping the numbers steady — but that balance can easily tip. Farmers who are wrapping up field work or hauling grain should consider topping off tanks soon, before potential logistical pressures and colder temperatures add costs to local delivery.

While the diesel market remains relatively predictable, lubricants and oils are holding quiet yet steady. These products move in rhythm with crude prices, and while crude has traded in a stable band, supply chains for specialty oils are still stretched thin. Fall is an ideal time to replenish storage for lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and greases before winter use increases. Keeping key oils on hand is one of the simplest ways to prevent mechanical downtime during the transition from harvest to maintenance season.

DEF remains a tighter market than most other energy inputs. Limited urea supply and transport costs are maintaining pressure on prices, and many Midwest distributors continue to report lean inventories. In eastern South Dakota, demand is still high as diesel fleets and harvest equipment finish their runs. With no meaningful relief in the near-term, it’s best to treat DEF like diesel — something that should be ordered ahead of need and stored properly. Running short in the middle of heavy operational cycles could mean forced downtime that’s easily avoidable with proper planning.

Propane continues to trend slightly higher as temperatures dip and drying season shifts toward heating. While national inventories remain in good shape, strong export activity and rising domestic draws are introducing mild upward pressure. Wholesale rates in the Midwest have inched up, and forward market indicators show slightly firmer pricing compared to this time last year. For operations using propane for grain drying, shop heating, or residential use, this is the week to evaluate tank levels and delivery schedules. Locking in a portion of your winter volume now could hedge against higher costs later in the season, especially if an early cold snap tightens supply.

Overall, this week’s energy outlook for Sioux Valley Coop patrons shows a period of stability but not complacency. Diesel, oils, and lubricants are predictable, but DEF and propane require proactive management. Planning now for both winter operations and the tail end of harvest ensures smoother logistics, steadier costs, and less stress when conditions start to shift. Sioux Valley Coop continues to monitor these markets daily to help our patrons make smart, informed energy decisions — from the field to the furnace.

Sources

  1. AAA Gas Prices — South Dakota Diesel Trends (gasprices.aaa.com)
  2. U.S. Energy Information Administration — Weekly Petroleum Report (eia.gov)
  3. South Dakota DOT — Fuel Price Index (dot.sd.gov)
  4. BPNews — Propane Market and Supply Outlook Ahead of Winter
  5. Argus Media — U.S. Export and Global Propane Flows, Fall 2025
  6. LPGas Magazine — Forward Winter Pricing Environment for Propane