U.S. propane stocks the week ended Sept. 18 decreased by 0.6 MMbbl to stand at 97.1 MMbbl, according to the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) “This Week in Petroleum” report published Sept. 23. As of the latest reporting period, inventories were 18 MMbbl, or 22.7%, higher than a year ago. Gulf Coast volumes fell 0.6 MMbbl, while the Midwest lost 0.3 MMbbl. Rocky Mountain/West Coast supplies gained 0.2 MMbbl and the East Coast rose 0.1 MMbbl. Propylene non-fuel-use stocks represented 4.7% of total inventories, up from 4.5% the previous week.

U.S. propane production for the week was at 1.584 MMbbld, registering a minimal improvement for the week but falling marginally under last year. East Coast production was pegged at 0.174 MMbbld, the Midwest 0.328 MMbbld, and the Gulf Coast 0.902 MMbbld. Although there was little variation week over week, the East Coast and Midwest were virtually unchanged, while the Gulf Coast posted a slight gain. For the year, the East Coast and Midwest fell just under the latest production totals and the Gulf Coast barely edged higher.

Imports to the nation were at 0.077 MMbbld, on par with a week earlier and a year ago. The East Coast received 0.026 MMbbld and the Midwest 0.035 MMbbld. U.S. propane demand for the week ended Sept. 18 stretched to 1.244 MMbbld, up nearly 0.27 MMbbld from the prior week and about 0.17 MMbbld above last year.