The U.S. ethanol industry continues to surpass monthly production records. The latest figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration show 8,000 barrels per day increase over December 2005 for January 2006.

A total of 288,000 barrels were produced per day. This is a 47,000 b/d increase from one year ago.

The Renewable Fuels Association also released the following statistics:

January 2006 Statistics (mg = million gallons)

*Source: U.S. International Trade Commission/Jim Jordan and Associates
^ Jim Jordan and Associates

“Increased attention lately has been given to the U.S. ethanol industry’s ability to produce and supply ethanol to new markets along the East Coast and in Texas,” says RFA President Bob Dinneen. “Our industry is adding capacity at a phenomenal rate and will be able to adequately supply ethanol to the markets that need it.”

Currently, 97 ethanol plants have a combined production capacity of nearly 4.5 billion gallons a year. There are 33 ethanol plants and nine expansions under construction with a combined annual capacity of more than 2 billion gallons.