Ethanol Production Rises as Stocks Drop Sharply Nationwide

Ethanol production climbed to a four-week high while inventories fell to their lowest level since early October, according to energy data analyzed by the RFA.

Farmland producing ethanol for the oil and gas industry. Railroad tankers cars lined up near a ethanol plant at sunset_Photo by photogrfx via AdobeStock_496174713.png

Photo by photogrfx via Adobe Stock

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Ethanol production climbed to a four-week high while inventories fell to their lowest level since early October. Renewable Fuels Association analysis of EIA data shows production rose 6.4 percent for the week ending May 8 to 1.08 million barrels per day.

That equals 45.44 million gallons per day. Output was 9 percent higher than the same week last year and 8.1 percent above the five-year average. The four-week average slipped to 1.04 million barrels per day, equal to an annualized 15.94 billion gallons.

Ethanol stocks dropped 4.4 percent to 24.9 million barrels. Inventories were below last year but still above the five-year average, with declines reported across all regions and a 41-week low on the West Coast.

Gasoline supplied, a demand indicator, fell to a five-week low of 8.75 million barrels per day. Refiner and blender ethanol inputs rose slightly to 908,000 barrels per day.

Exports increased 16.5 percent to an estimated 162,000 barrels per day.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong ethanol production supports corn demand, but weaker gasoline demand and lower blender inputs remain to be watched.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Strong exports and production support ongoing corn demand.
Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.
Surging energy markets are quickly becoming a cost story for U.S. agriculture as crude oil climbs on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.
Logistics remain firm, but freight costs continue to rise.

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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ethanol exports are expanding on strong demand from Canada and Europe, while DDGS shipments remain broad-based and supportive for feed markets.
Mary-Thomas Hart, with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, discusses the latest WOTUS developments and their implications for agriculture.
Only properly documented, unexhausted fertilizer applied by prior owners may qualify for Section 180 expensing; broader nutrient-based claims carry significant legal and tax risk.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.