WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD News) — Diesel supplies remain tight heading toward fall harvest, keeping fuel costs and availability important for farmers, truckers and rural businesses. U.S. distillate inventories were 12 percent below the five-year average for the week ending August 7, even as refinery production increased.
Distillate production averaged 5.3 million barrels per day, while inventories edged slightly lower. Four-week distillate demand averaged 3.7 million barrels per day, up 1.9 percent from the same period last year.
Gasoline inventories were also 6 percent below the five-year average after declining another 1 million barrels. Crude oil stocks increased sharply by 17.4 million barrels, leaving inventories only 2 percent below average.
Propane supplies remain comparatively comfortable. Inventories increased 1.9 million barrels and stood 31 percent above the five-year average, providing a stronger supply cushion ahead of grain drying and winter heating demand.
For agriculture, tight diesel stocks matter most as combines, trucks and other equipment enter heavier seasonal use. Producers will watch whether stronger refinery output rebuilds supplies before harvest demand accelerates.
