News

U.S. ethanol production rises as seasonal maintenance winds down

U.S. ethanol production moved slightly higher over the past week as more facilities ended seasonal maintenance.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production 1.074 million barrels per day, the highest average in more than a month, up 3,000 on the week and 32,000 on the year.

Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says the estimated operating margin for the typical Iowa plant remained firmly in positive territory.

Demand signals were mixed.

Ethanol stocks of 22.628 million barrels were 92,000 less than last week, but 353,000 more than last year.

The Renewable Fuels Association says net inputs of ethanol purchased by refiners and blenders rose as the volume of gasoline supplied to the market fell.

Ethanol exports averaged 108,000 barrels per day, declining 30,000 from the previous week and 32,000 from a year ago.

The EIA says it will continue to issue these weekly updates until further notice during the partial shutdown of the federal government.