U.S. refinery utilization rates edged lower in the latest reporting week, with the weekly change in utilization moving from a 0.4% increase previously to a 0.1% decline, according to EIA data updated on 22 July 2026. The figures reflect a week‑over‑week comparison of operating rates across domestic refineries.
The shift marks a modest reversal from the prior week’s expansion in activity, suggesting a slight cooling in refinery run rates after a period of incremental strengthening. The “previous” reading captured the 0.4% increase versus the week before it, while the “actual” 0.1% decline compares the current week’s utilization to last week’s level.
While the change is small in absolute terms, even marginal adjustments in refinery utilization can influence short‑term fuel supply dynamics and price expectations, particularly during periods of seasonal demand or market volatility in refined product markets.
