U.S. Ethanol Production Reaches Four-Week High

U.S. ethanol production rebounded to a four-week high in early October, averaging 1.07 million barrels, or nearly 45 million gallons—per day.

According to EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, weekly output rose 1.1 percent, sitting well above the five-year average and highlighting strong processing activity across Iowa’s corn belt. However, broader demand signals remain mixed. Domestic gasoline consumption dropped over 4 percent to its lowest level since late February, while ethanol exports tumbled more than 27 percent. Though refinery blending edged up slightly, overall inventories climbed to nearly 24 million barrels—6 percent higher than last year.

For Iowa growers and plant operators relying on steady corn demand, this boost in production offers a solid baseline, even as softening domestic fuel use and choppy export markets require close watching.