Brazilian center-south ethanol stocks down 6% on year as demand continues to grow

In Brazil, Platts reports that Ministry of Agriculture data shows mid-February ethanol stocks in the main center-south producing region fell nearly 6% on the year to 4.76 billion liters, a nearly 19% drop from just two weeks prior. Historical high prices continue for hydrous ethanol where drivers continue to fill up on 100% ethanol in favor of gasoline despite the lack of supplies. The sugarcane crush in the region is preparing to kick off in the next few weeks which should help to increase supplies but there are questions as to whether mills will shift production towards sugar en masse this season as sugar prices are also increasing globally.