US Ethanol Production Slips But Stocks Jump. Gasoline Consumption Drops on Record High Prices.

Summary: US ethanol production was down 0.5%, about as expected.  Ethanol stocks rose 2.0%, much more than expected. Gasoline consumption slipped and is 4% less than a year ago.  Ethanol producer cash-based margins remain below breakeven (relative to variable and all costs). However, blenders have been enjoying the highest margins in over a decade. California’s gas…