(April 8, 2010)  WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. ethanol production began 2010 on a record pace. According to information from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), January 2010 ethanol production averaged more than 818,000 barrels per day (b/d). That is an increase of 188,000 b/d over January 2009.

Ethanol demand, as calculated by the Renewable Fuels Association, also reached an all time high at 784,000 b/d in January, up from 644,000 b/d a year ago.

EIA also reports fuel ethanol imports of 1.4 million gallons in January.

The RFA released the following statistics:

January 2010 Statistics
(mg = million gallons; b/d = barrels per day)
 
Source: Energy Information Administration, Renewable Fuels Association

“American ethanol producers continue to provide increasing supplies of a renewable alternative to imported oil,” said RFA President Bob Dinneen. “Due to antiquated regulations, however, American drivers are being prevented access to increased use of ethanol and ethanol blends. The increase seen in ethanol reserves during a time of great economic advantage in ethanol pricing speaks directly to the need for EPA to allow up to 15% ethanol blends for all vehicles, regardless of model year.”