The EIA reported a build of 2 MMbbl in total U.S. propane/propylene inventories for the week ended August 14, exceeding industry expectations for a build of 860 Mbbl and the average build of 1.6 MMbbl for the week. The increase lifted total U.S. stocks to an all-time high of 107 MMbbl (red line in Figure 1 below). Inventories are now 15.8 MMbbl, or 17%, above the same week in 2025 (blue line); 14.7 MMbbl, or 16%, above the previous five-year maximum; and 24.9 MMbbl, or 30%, above the five-year average (green line). Total stocks could approach 117 MMbbl by early October if inventories follow the average seasonal building pattern of recent years before draws begin.
For the third consecutive week, a region outside PADD 3 posted the largest inventory increase. Nevertheless, the Gulf Coast remains the foundation of the country’s elevated inventory position. Together, PADDs 2 and 3 accounted for nearly the entire weekly build and hold approximately 88% of total U.S. propane inventories.
PADD 2 (Midwest) led this week’s increase, adding 1.1 MMbbl and lifting regional stocks to 26.2 MMbbl, or approximately 24% of total U.S. inventories (red line in Figure 2 below). Midwest stocks are 2.2 MMbbl, or 9%, above the same week in 2025 (blue line); 737 Mbbl, or 3%, above the previous five-year maximum; and 3.1 MMbbl, or 14%, above the five-year average (green line).
PADD 3 (Gulf Coast) contributed another 876 Mbbl, pushing regional inventories to an all-time high of 67.8 MMbbl, or approximately 63% of the national total (red line in Figure 3 below). Gulf Coast stocks are 13.7 MMbbl, or 25%, above the same week in 2025 (blue line); 12 MMbbl, or 22%, above the previous five-year maximum; and 21 MMbbl, or 45%, above the five-year average (green line).
