EIA Predicts Increased Ethanol Production In 2015 and 2016

Ethanol Producer Magazine

Jan 13, 2015

By Erin Voegele

The U.S. Energy Information Administration has released the January issue of its Short-Term Energy Outlook, which includes its first short-term prediction of 2016 ethanol production levels.

Within the STEO, the EIA reported ethanol production in December reached a record of 979,000 barrels per day, exceeding the previous record of 968,000 barrels per day set in November. Ethanol production averaged approximately 935,000 barrels per day last year, and is expected to average 936,000 barrels per day this year. In 2016, the EIA predicts ethanol production will increase to 937,000 barrels per day.

According to the EIA, biodiesel production averaged 81,000 barrels per day last year and is forecast to average 84,000 barrels per day this year and in 2016.

EIA data indicates weekly regulator gasoline retail prices averaged $2.14 per gallon on Jan. 12, the lowest since May 4, 2009. The EIA predicts gasoline prices will average $2.16 per gallon during the first quarter of this year, and average $2.33 per gallon in 2015. Gasoline prices averaged $3.36 per gallon last year. In 2016, gasoline prices are expected to increase, averaging $2.72 per gallon.

The EIA’s most recent weekly ethanol production data indicates production averaged 949,000 barrels per day the week ending Jan. 2, down from 972,000 barrels per day the week ending Dec. 26. The U.S. set a new weekly production record during the week ending Dec. 19, when production averaged 992,000 barrels per day.

The U.S. exported nearly 1.89 million barrels of ethanol in October, and increase from the 1.35 million barrels exported in September. The U.S. also imported 30,000 barrels of ethanol in October, up from 7,000 barrels in September.

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