U.S. ethanol production hit a nine-week high last week as stocks swelled.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says production averaged 1.04 million barrels a day, an increase of 5,000 on the week and 7,000 on the year.

Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development says operating margins for the average Iowa plant were firmer, remaining solidly in positive territory and encouraging production.

The Renewable Fuels Association says the domestic supply of 21.398 million gallons was 286,000 above the previous week’s near two-year low, but still 893,000 below a year ago.

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