Iowa ethanol production increased to a record-breaking 4.5 billion gallons in 2022, continuing its rebound from the COVID pandemic-induced slump.  

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) Executive Director Monte Shaw credits fuel demand returning to pre-pandemic levels, Iowa ethanol plant efficiencies and the ample local corn supply as factors in the upward trend.

“Iowa continues to set the pace for ethanol production around the world,” stated Shaw. “The attractive price of E15 and E85 drove sales during the 2022 gas price spike. Barring a recession, we expect ethanol demand to grow each year as Iowa and other states make progress in increasing access to E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88.” 

Ethanol production also continued to recover nationally, rising 2% to 15.36 billion gallons, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The ethanol blend rate hit a record 10.39%, pushing far beyond the so-called blend wall. EIA data also indicate that sale volumes ...