NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. ethanol demand reached a new milestone in October, as ethanol accounted for 11.06 percent of the nation’s gasoline supply — the first monthly blend rate above 11 percent on record, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The record underscores growing fuel demand for ethanol and challenges long-standing assumptions that blending cannot exceed 10 percent.
The Renewable Fuels Association says expanded availability of E15 and flex fuels such as E85 is driving the increase. The 12-month average blend rate also reached a record 10.48 percent in October, signaling sustained growth rather than a one-month anomaly. Iowa continues to lead adoption, with E15 representing roughly 25 percent of gasoline sales in November — nearly double early-2025 levels — while California’s recent E15 approval opens a major new market.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper credits summer emergency fuel waivers and lower pump prices for accelerating adoption, while emphasizing the need for permanent year-round E15 approval and strong EPA renewable fuel standards. At an 11 percent blend rate, annual ethanol use would reach roughly 15 billion gallons.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
A permanent national E15 standard would boost corn demand, lower fuel costs, and provide a stable path for U.S. energy security.
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