Fuel shortages a big problem in the Dakotas

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- Industry officials say fuel shortages that often occur during the busy fall harvest season in the Dakotas are a big problem this year.

South Dakota Petroleum Marketers Association Director Dawna Leitzke tells the Argus Leader that it's "a supply nightmare." There are gasoline and diesel shortages at fuel terminals throughout much of the Dakotas and into Minnesota. Fuel truck drivers are sitting in line for hours at some terminals, waiting for fuel to arrive via pipeline.

Officials say there are several reasons for the low supplies. Among them are an early harvest in South Dakota that put farmers into competition for diesel fuel with their counterparts in other states, and demand from vehicles in the booming oil patch in western North Dakota.