U.S. refinery crude runs turned negative in the latest weekly data, suggesting a modest cooling in processing activity. According to figures updated on 06 May 2026, refinery runs fell by 0.042 million barrels week-over-week, reversing the previous week’s increase of 0.084 million barrels.
The data, released on a week-over-week comparison basis, indicate that refiners are now processing slightly less crude than in the prior week, after having ramped up activity in the earlier period. While the move is relatively small in absolute terms, the shift from positive to negative growth in runs will be closely watched by market participants for signals on near-term fuel demand, inventory dynamics, and potential adjustments in refinery utilization rates across the United States.
