The latest U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data show a marked slowdown in refinery utilization growth, with the weekly rate easing to 0.2% as of 26 August 2026. This compares to a 1.0% week-over-week increase in the prior period, signaling a notable deceleration in the pace at which refineries are ramping up operations.
On a week-over-week basis, the current reading reflects a much smaller change than the previous week’s advance. While the earlier 1.0% gain suggested a stronger step-up in refinery activity, the latest 0.2% figure indicates that refiners are now increasing capacity use more cautiously. This moderation in utilization growth may be watched closely by market participants assessing near-term fuel supply dynamics and refining margins in the United States.
