EIA increases 2017 ethanol production and blending estimates slightly

In Washington, the Energy Information Administration said in its January short-term energy outlook that 2017 ethanol production should average 1.0008 million b/d, up by 3,500 b/d from its December estimate, while its first estimate for 2018 figures 1.0154 million b/d. Production will still outweigh blending demand this year, leaving room for exports, with an average of 940,000 b/d blended at just below the 10% blend wall at 9.9%. The estimate is slightly higher than the 937,000 b/d estimated in December. For 2018, blending is seen at 947,000 b/d.