Ethanol production in the United States increased in the latest federal report, pointing to stronger demand for the corn-based biofuel as the spring driving season approaches, News Dakota reported.
Data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that ethanol production averaged about 1.126 million barrels per day during the week ending March 6. The figure represents the highest output recorded in several weeks.
Higher ethanol production usually leads to increased demand for corn, the main raw material used in U.S. biofuel plants. The ethanol industry consumes nearly one-third of the country’s corn harvest each year, making production figures closely watched by farmers and grain markets.
Market analysts said ethanol plant margins have improved in recent weeks as energy prices rise and fuel consumption remains steady. Strong export demand and government policies that encourage blending of biofuels with gasoline have also supported the sector.
Industry groups say ethanol production reached record levels in 2025, reflecting the fuel’s growing importance in the U.S. energy market and its contribution to rural economies.
