The EIA reported that total U.S. propane/propylene inventories increased by 1.9 MMbbl for the week ended August 7, approximately 800 Mbbl above industry expectations for a 1.1-MMbbl build but 272 Mbbl less than the average build for the week of 2.1 MMbbl. Stocks reached 105 MMbbl (red line in the chart below), standing 16.4 MMbbl, or 19%, above the same week in 2025 (blue line). Inventories were also 14.4 MMbbl, or 16%, above the previous five-year maximum and 24.4 MMbbl, or 30%, above the five-year average (green line). Stocks reached their highest level since October 2025.
The 1.9-MMbbl nationwide build was broad-based but led by PADD 1 (East Coast), which added 1.2 MMbbl and accounted for nearly two-thirds of the increase. East Coast stocks reached 8.1 MMbbl (red line in the chart below), representing approximately 8% of total U.S. inventories. Inventories were 579 Mbbl, or 8%, above last year (blue line) and 775 Mbbl, or 11%, above the five-year average (green line) but remained 48 Mbbl, or less than 1%, below the previous five-year maximum.
PADD 3 (Gulf Coast), by comparison, contributed only 251 Mbbl, or about 13%, of this week’s build but remained the primary source of the elevated national inventory position. Gulf Coast stocks reached 66.9 MMbbl (red line in the chart below), representing approximately 64% of total U.S. inventories. Inventories were 13.6 MMbbl, or 26%, above last year (blue line); 12.1 MMbbl, or 22%, above the previous five-year maximum; and 20.9 MMbbl, or 45%, above the five-year average (green line). Taken together, the regional data reveal a clear divergence, with the East Coast driving this week’s nationwide build while the Gulf Coast remained the foundation of the country’s elevated inventory position.
