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The Weekly Fill-Up | October 20-24

As eastern South Dakota moves from the final push of harvest into the colder stretch of the season, energy markets are quietly shifting gears. For Sioux Valley Coop patrons, this week’s trends suggest a short-term window of stability — but also a clear signal to prepare for what’s next. With grain hauling still active, heaters firing up, and winter demand on the horizon, now is the time to refine fueling strategies and lock in pricing where possible.

Diesel markets across the Midwest continue to hold steady, with South Dakota averages sitting around the mid-$3.60s per gallon. That’s a slight dip from earlier in the month and a reflection of easing harvest demand and mild refinery improvements. However, the balance is delicate. Inventories remain historically tight, and refining margins are slim, meaning any shift in weather, global crude prices, or transportation logistics could send costs higher again. For local producers and haulers, this week represents a small but meaningful window to fill tanks or finalize winter contracts before the late-season supply crunch typically hits.

Lubricants and maintenance oils remain the unsung heroes of this transitional season. While pricing has stayed relatively quiet, the supply chain behind these products is still stretched thin, especially in rural distribution zones. Many operators are now transitioning machinery from heavy field work to winter maintenance — flushing hydraulic lines, replacing filters, and prepping engines for colder conditions. Replenishing oil inventories now helps avoid delays later, when shipping times lengthen and temperature-sensitive products become harder to source. A few proactive orders placed with Sioux Valley Coop this month can mean fewer headaches come January.

DEF is another story entirely. The market remains firm, with tight urea supply and freight costs keeping prices steady but elevated. Even as harvest tapers off, fleet operations, grain hauling, and regional trucking continue to pull strong demand. The key concern right now is logistics rather than price — ensuring steady supply and proper storage before temperatures fall. DEF can begin to crystallize when exposed to freezing conditions, making insulated storage or heated areas essential for reliability through winter. Patrons who haven’t topped off or placed a forward order would be wise to do so before colder weather complicates handling and delivery.

Propane markets, meanwhile, are entering their seasonal pivot point. After months of moderate pricing, a subtle upward climb is underway. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that national propane inventories are above the five-year average heading into winter, which offers some cushion. However, that cushion may not last if export demand accelerates or domestic heating spikes in November. In South Dakota, propane remains one of the more stable and cost-effective energy inputs, but volatility can return quickly once winter storms begin to affect transport and storage capacity. Farmers using propane for grain drying should finalize fill-ups this week, while those heating livestock buildings or shops should start monitoring levels more closely. Forward contracting at least part of the winter’s expected volume can reduce exposure to potential price swings later in the season.

All in all, this week’s markets are calm — and that’s precisely why it’s the right time to act. Diesel is steady, but its foundation is fragile; lubricants are available, but supply chains are thin; DEF is consistent, but logistics are tightening; propane is affordable, but seasonal upward momentum has begun. By planning now, Sioux Valley Coop patrons can insulate themselves against market shocks later and take advantage of cooperative pricing while conditions remain favorable.

At Sioux Valley Coop, our focus continues to be on empowering local producers and businesses with dependable service and market intelligence. Whether it’s fuel, oil, DEF, or propane, staying informed today means staying efficient tomorrow. As temperatures drop and winter work ramps up, your energy readiness will be what keeps your operation powered locally — season after season.

Sources

  1. U.S. Energy Information Administration — Weekly Propane Inventory and Outlook (eia.gov)
  2. YCharts — Midwest Retail Diesel Price Data, October 2025 (ycharts.com)
  3. Ryan Transportation Report — Fuel Price and Freight Update, October 2025 (ryantrans.com)
  4. Cooperative Energy Company — Midwest Farmer Fuel Update, October 2025 (coopenergyco.com)