NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Ethanol production eased modestly last week, but output remains stronger than year-ago levels, continuing to support corn demand despite softer export movement.
Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show that production for the week ending February 20 declined 0.4 percent to 1.11 million barrels per day, equal to 46.75 million gallons per day. Output was 3.0 percent above the same week last year and 5.6 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average held at 1.07 million barrels per day, or 16.51 billion gallons annualized.
Refiner and blender net inputs were unchanged at 866,000 barrels per day, running 2.4 percent ahead of last year. Gasoline supplied dipped 0.2 percent but remained 3.3 percent above year-ago levels.
Ethanol stocks rose 0.2 percent to 25.6 million barrels, though inventories remain 7.0 percent below last year and 1.8 percent under the three-year average. Exports fell 20.3 percent to 141,000 barrels per day.
Looking ahead, steady domestic blending may offset export weakness if seasonal fuel demand improves.
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