U.S. refineries run at 28-year high as global supply tightens

U.S. refinery utilization averaged above 95% of capacity from May through September 2026, the highest for those months since 1998, driven by elevated global product margins particularly for diesel.

First covered Oct 22, 2026 · 7:00 AM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

U.S. refineries run at 28-year high as global supply tightens — Image via eia.gov

Coverage

19d EIA Today in Energy U.S. refineries have been running at very high rates in 2026 — The U.S. refinery fleet has run at higher-than-normal rates this year, with refinery utilization averaging more than 95% of capacity between May and September,…

Primary sources

energy.gov Department of Energy

usa.gov Making government services easier to find | USAGov

More coverage from around the web

hydrocarbonprocessing.com U.S. refineries' utilization running > 95% over the last 6 mos

oilandgas360.com Strong diesel margins push U.S. refiners toward capacity limits - Oil & Gas 360

boereport.com US refiners have run harder in 2026 as tight diesel supplies boost margins, EIA says

rallies.ai US refiners have run harder in 2026 as tight diesel supplies boost margins, EIA says - XLE News

energynow.com US Refiners Have Run Harder in 2026 as Tight Diesel Supplies Boost Margins, EIA Says - Energy News, Top Headlines, Commentaries, Features & Events - EnergyNow.com

Appeared in: 2026-10-23 (#16)

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