Chicago ethanol futures reach six-month high on maintenance shutdowns

In Illinois, ethanol futures reached a six-month high as production across the country continues to slow. The Energy Information Administration said production fell nearly 4% last week to 887,000 barrels a day, the lowest since October. Ethanol plants have been holding off on maintenance to take advantage of high margins, so many are now shut to catch up on maintenance needs and therefore hitting ethanol production figures.