LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Ethanol production increased last week, providing support to corn demand even as export activity dropped sharply, according to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association.
Production rose 0.4 percent to 1.12 million barrels per day, a five-week high and more than 10 percent above year-ago levels. The four-week average also climbed, putting output on pace for more than 17 billion gallons annually. Strong production levels continue to reinforce domestic corn usage tied to ethanol demand.
Gasoline demand — a key driver for ethanol blending — jumped 6.1 percent to a five-week high, running well above both last year and the three-year average. That strength is helping support the ethanol market despite mixed signals elsewhere.
However, ethanol exports fell sharply, dropping more than 60 percent on the week. At the same time, refiner and blender inputs declined to a six-week low, suggesting some near-term softness in blending activity.
Ethanol stocks increased 2.5 percent, with builds concentrated along the East and Gulf Coasts, adding to available supply.
