The latest EIA data released on 30 September 2026 show that U.S. refinery utilization rates fell again week-over-week, but at a slower pace than in the previous period. The current indicator registered a -1.5% change compared with the prior week, an improvement from the -2.8% week-over-week decline recorded previously.
The figures reflect a moderation in the contraction of refinery activity: while utilization is still moving lower, the rate of decline has eased. According to the comparison methodology, the “actual” reading captures the change for the current week versus the prior week, whereas the “previous” figure reflects the change observed in the prior week versus its preceding week. This step-down in the pace of decline will be closely watched by market participants tracking U.S. fuel supply dynamics and broader energy market balance.
