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
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
Winter Weather Shapes Markets and Early Fieldwork Nationwide
Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
Tight storage could widen basis and limit marketing flexibility.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy 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:

Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
Clear right-to-repair guidance reduces downtime, repair costs, and operational risk.
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
Falling livestock prices, combined with higher input costs, continue to squeeze farm profitability heading into 2026.
Smaller cow numbers and a declining calf crop point to prolonged tight cattle supplies, limiting near-term herd rebuilding potential.