The EIA reported a 3.6-MMbbl build in U.S. propane/propylene inventories for the week ended May 8, well above industry expectations for a 907-Mbbl build and the average build for the week of 2 MMbbl. This marked the largest build for the corresponding week since our recordkeeping began in 2011 and may indicate a normalization following the unseasonal inventory draws reported over the previous two weeks. Total U.S. propane/propylene inventories now stand at 81.1 MMbbl, which is 30.7 MMbbl, or 61%, above the same week in 2025 and 17.5 MMbbl, or 28%, above the five-year maximum. Inventories also remain 28.2 MMbbl, or 53%, above the five-year average.
Featured Articles
- Analyst Insight
Strong Supply, Softer Exports Drive Record U.S. Propane Inventories
Robust production and slower export activity pushed U.S. propane stocks to record highs last week, led by continued builds along the Gulf Coast and storage levels well above seasonal norms.
- Analyst Insight
Regional Imbalances Persist in U.S. Propane Market Despite Weekly Draw
Despite a weekly draw, the U.S. propane market remains regionally imbalanced, with elevated inventories in key hubs and tighter supply on the East Coast.
- Analyst Insight
Record Propane Exports Drive Rare Seasonal Propane Inventory Draw
PADD 3 propane inventories posted a rare 1.2-MMbbl draw as U.S. propane exports surged to a record 2.63 MMb/d. Growing utilization of Gulf Coast flex terminals continues to support strong propane exports and tighter regional balances.
