Understanding Fuel ethanol prices
Raw materials and production
Fuel ethanol is an alcohol produced from sugar- or starch-containing agricultural feedstocks, including sugar cane or maize. Industrial fermentation and subsequent processing produce material suitable for fuel blending. Feedstock choice varies by region.
Applications and consumption
Ethanol is blended into transport fuel under applicable specifications. Its demand depends on fuel consumption, blending practices and policy requirements. Fuel-grade ethanol is distinct from beverage alcohol and from other industrial grades sold under different conditions.
What affects Fuel ethanol prices?
Agricultural feedstock costs, plant output, fuel demand and blending economics influence ethanol prices. Freight, regional supply and product specifications affect local transactions. A published trade average is a reference for its defined market, not a universal retail fuel price.
How to read Fuel ethanol price today
This page follows Fuel ethanol in Iowa ethanol plants, FOB truck. The price type is Published trade average, with values expressed in USD/US gal. Compare quotations only after matching the product specification, unit, market and publication period. Changes in the chart describe the recorded series; they do not measure every transaction in the wider market. A local purchase may include freight, processing, taxes or dealer margins. Differences in quality or delivery conditions can therefore produce a different final cost even when the reference price is unchanged.
The displayed date or period identifies the latest publication available. Weekly, quarterly, annual, auction or effective-date records follow their own schedule and should not be read as continuous live quotations.
Further reading: EIA — energy explained ↗
Frequently asked questions about Fuel ethanol
What is Fuel ethanol price today?
The latest available value is 2.0050 USD/US gal, for 10/16/2026. It represents Published trade average. Check the displayed period and market before treating it as a quotation for a purchase today. The displayed date or period identifies the latest publication available. Weekly, quarterly, annual, auction or effective-date records follow their own schedule and should not be read as continuous live quotations.
What affects Fuel ethanol prices?
Agricultural feedstock costs, plant output, fuel demand and blending economics influence ethanol prices. Freight, regional supply and product specifications affect local transactions. A published trade average is a reference for its defined market, not a universal retail fuel price.
What is Fuel ethanol used for in everyday life and industry?
Ethanol is blended into transport fuel under applicable specifications. Its demand depends on fuel consumption, blending practices and policy requirements. Fuel-grade ethanol is distinct from beverage alcohol and from other industrial grades sold under different conditions.
Why can local Fuel ethanol prices differ from this chart?
Local offers may include delivery, processing, taxes and commercial margins. Differences in quality, product form, market and contract timing can also change the price. Compare the same specification and unit before drawing conclusions.
Where can I compare historical Fuel ethanol prices?
Use the price chart and dated history table on this page, or download the CSV. Choose a period and keep the market, product and units consistent. Missing publication dates are not filled with invented observations.