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
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.

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:

Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.
USDA headquarters downsizing reflects cost pressures and may reshape agency operations.
USDA Farmer Bridge Assistance payments could begin this weekend as producers face tight margins, shifting acreage expectations, cattle herd contraction, and growing pressure for a stronger farm safety net.
Delays on year-round E15 keep potential corn demand and fuel savings in limbo.
Higher energy costs ripple through local farm supply chains.
Strong export demand supports barge markets, but weather risks remain.