The South Dakota Corn Utilization Council and Kwik Star are teaming up for the first-ever Unleaded 88 Day, set for Saturday, March 29. This special event will offer Unleaded 88 fuel at just $1.88 per gallon at all Kwik Star locations across South Dakota, including Sioux Falls and Brookings.
This new partnership between Kwik Star and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council aims to promote the use of ethanol-blended fuels, particularly Unleaded 88, which contains 15% ethanol and is safe for 95% of vehicles on the road today. Both organizations hope to educate consumers on the benefits of using this affordable and eco-friendly fuel option.
Ben Leibel, public relations for Kwik Star, said this opportunity expresses the company’s commitment to supporting local agriculture.
“We’re located right in the center of America’s best farming and agricultural land, and it’s important for us to support local and regional agriculture. Offering Unleaded 88 is just one of the ways we do that,” said Leibel. “This partnership with South Dakota Corn is a natural fit for us.”
For the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, the partnership is an essential way to support South Dakota's corn farmers, especially given the current economic conditions. Amanda Bechen, senior director of marketing and communications for the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, said the more promotion for ethanol blended fuels, the better for South Dakota’s corn producers.
“The price of corn is low right now, so anything we can do to increase corn grind is important,” Bechen said. “About 50% of South Dakota’s corn goes into ethanol production, and the more we can encourage the use of ethanol-blended fuels, the more it helps our farmers.”
Bechen also said it’s a great opportunity to educate consumers on ethanol-blended fuels like Unleaded 88.
“When consumers see Unleaded 88 at the pump, we want them to understand that it’s a good, safe option for their vehicles. E15 is approved for 95% of cars on the road today, and it's a cost-effective choice for many drivers,” she said. "For consumers switching from E10 to E15, the price difference can be as little as 20 cents per gallon, making it a great option for cost-conscious drivers."
Unleaded 88 Day will give consumers a chance to experience the benefits of Unleaded 88 while filling up at a reduced price from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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“We’re really excited about Unleaded 88 Day,” Leibel said. “The 88th day of the year just seemed like the perfect day to promote this fuel blend, and we’re hoping consumers will take advantage of the special pricing and try Unleaded 88 if they haven’t before.”
In addition to promoting Unleaded 88, the event also introduces consumers to Kwik Star’s convenient service and Midwest-sourced products.
“If you haven’t been to a Kwik Star location before, it’s a great opportunity to check them out,” Bechen said. “Not only do they have great fuel options but they have great grocery options and they do a lot of their sourcing in the Midwest, which impacts farmers in other ways as well.”