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
Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
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