Total U.S. Inventories
The EIA reported that total U.S. propane/propylene inventories increased by 2.5 MMbbl for the week ended August 21, exceeding the industry-expected build of 1.5 MMbbl and the average build of 2.4 MMbbl for the week. The increase lifted stocks to an all-time high of 109.5 MMbbl (red line in the chart below), marking the second consecutive weekly record. Stocks are 16.5 MMbbl, or 18%, above the same week in 2025 (blue line); 14 MMbbl, or 15%, above the five-year maximum; and 25 MMbbl, or 30%, above the five-year average (green line). If inventories continue building at a similar pace, total stocks could approach 119 MMbbl by early October before seasonal draws begin. That would be approximately 13% above the 2025 high of 105.4 MMbbl recorded in November.
