Fuel ethanol is a critical source of octane and oxygenate for U.S. gasoline, and it is aggressively mandated as a blend stock per the RFS. Most ethanol refineries are located in the Mid-Continent where corn, ethanol’s feedstock, is produced.

Ethanol’s hypertrophic properties make it difficult to transport via pipeline. Consequently, rail is the only way that it can be moved to final blending and consuming locations.

U.S. Liquid Fuel and Feedstock Rail Movements: Select Views — figure 2
Fig. 2 of 2 · Chart 2023-01 · Source: EPRINC

From the EPRINC Chart of the Week archive.

Cite: EPRINC, “U.S. Liquid Fuel and Feedstock Rail Movements: Select Views,” Chart of the Week 2023-01, January 2, 2023.

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