NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Ethanol markets showed stronger fuel demand this week, providing support for corn use even as longer-term production growth slowed slightly.
Data from the Energy Information Administration analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association shows U.S. ethanol production rose 0.7 percent to 1.12 million barrels per day — about 46.96 million gallons daily. Output ran 3.1 percent above last year and nearly 5 percent above the three-year average. However, the four-week average slipped to 1.07 million barrels per day, equal to 16.51 billion gallons annually, signaling plants are not accelerating run rates aggressively yet.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger fuel demand supports corn usage despite a steady production pace.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Gasoline demand jumped 5.4 percent to 8.75 million barrels per day — a key indicator of blending demand. Refiner and blender ethanol use increased 3 percent, and exports surged 29 percent to 177,000 barrels per day. Those gains point to improving domestic and foreign fuel consumption.
Ethanol inventories climbed 1.4 percent to 25.6 million barrels, though stocks remain below year-ago levels.
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
February 18, 2026 01:38 PM
·
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
February 18, 2026 12:53 PM
·
Strong corn exports support prices while soybeans lag yearly pace. However, large carryover stocks limit upside despite solid yields.
February 18, 2026 12:41 PM
·
Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.
February 18, 2026 11:47 AM
·
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
February 17, 2026 12:28 PM
·
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
February 16, 2026 04:00 PM
·
Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide
February 16, 2026 03:19 PM
·
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
February 16, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Tight storage could widen basis and limit marketing flexibility.
February 16, 2026 02:00 PM
·
