Governor Rhoden Issues Emergency Order to Ease Fuel Shortages During Harvest

Steve Jurrens
Oct 27
2 min read

A propane truck travels on a snowy road with forests in the background. The tank is marked with "1075" and "PROPANE" signs. Gray skies above. — A large propane tanker truck travels down a remote highway, highlighted against a cold, overcast sky, underscoring the importance of fuel transportation in even the most isolated regions.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2025-09 today, October 27, 2025, declaring a state of emergency to address critically low inventories of propane and other fuels across the state. The shortage is attributed to the high demand for petroleum products associated with the ongoing harvest.

The order grants a 14-day hours-of-service waiver for drivers of commercial motor vehicles transporting essential fuels. The exemption temporarily suspends specific federal motor carrier regulations regarding drivers' hours of service (49 CFR Part 395.3) that apply to the transportation and delivery of fuel into or within South Dakota.

The waiver covers a range of petroleum products, including gasoline or gasoline blends, diesel, fuel oil, ethanol, propane, jet fuel, and biodiesel. The goal of the order is to ensure that fuel supplies meet the needs of South Dakota's residents and address supply shortages reported by residents and businesses.

While the hours-of-service rules are temporarily suspended, the order emphasizes that motor carriers shall not require or allow fatigued or ill drivers to operate a motor vehicle. Any driver who informs a carrier of an immediate need for rest must be given at least ten consecutive hours off duty before returning to service.

Furthermore, the declaration does not waive other critical safety and compliance regulations. Drivers and carriers must still comply with:

· Controlled substances, alcohol use, and testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382).

· Commercial driver's license requirements (49 CFR Part 383).

· Financial responsibility requirements (49 CFR Part 387).

· Applicable size and weight requirements, and any other regulations not explicitly identified.

Executive Order 2025-09 is set to expire upon the conclusion of the emergency, no later than midnight on November 10, 2025.