Ethanol Output Ticks Higher As Stocks Ease Slightly

Slightly higher output amid softer gasoline pull points to steady corn grind — watch regional stocks and export pace for basis clues.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Ethanol production edged up to a five-week high as harvest advances. EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show output at 1.07 million barrels per day (b/d) — about 45.11 million gallons/day — up 0.3 percent week over week, 3.1 percentcent above last year, and 4.2 percent over the three-year average. The four-week average eased 0.5 percent to 1.04 million b/d, an annualized pace of 16.00 billion gallons.

Inventories slipped 0.4 percent to 22.6 million barrels, yet remained 1.6 percent above a year ago and 4.1 percent over the three-year average. Stocks declined everywhere except the East Coast (PADD 1) and Rocky Mountains (PADD 4). Gasoline supplied — a demand proxy — fell 5.2 percent to 8.46 million barrels per day (b/d) (a 19-week low, ~129.97 bg annualized), 1.9 percent under last year and 3.3% below the three-year average.

Refiner/blender net inputs of ethanol rose 2.6 percent to 915,000 barrels per day (b/d) (~14.07 bg annualized), 0.3 percent above last year and 0.4 percent over the three-year average. Exports eased 21.7 percent to an estimated 108,000 b/d (~4.5 million gal/day). EIA has shown no imports for over a year.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Slightly higher output amid softer gasoline pull points to steady corn grind — watch regional stocks and export pace for basis clues.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
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Ethanol output softened, but underlying supply-and-demand trends indicate stable longer-term use despite short-term volatility in blending and exports.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

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