Ethanol Production Down for the First Time Since April

Jul 24, 2020

By John Perkins

U.S. ethanol production moved lower last week and stocks got tighter.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 908,000 barrels a day, down 23,000 on the week, the first week to week decline since April, because of lower ethanol prices and signs summer gas demand might have peaked as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in parts of the U.S. That is 131,000 barrels below a year ago.

The amount of gasoline supplied to the market was down for the second week in a row and while blending demand did improve, it remains well below a year ago.

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Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

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