Slide 12 of 19
Notes:
- Gasoline inventories in the United States began last summer’s driving season at low levels and ended at low levels.
- In October 2000, with the market focusing on distillate, gasoline inventories slipped well below the normal range.
- At the end of December, gasoline inventories were about 194 million barrels, which is almost 5 percent below the 5-year average level for this time of year, but slightly above the end of 1999. As of January 19, the most recent weekly data, gasoline stocks have risen to nearly 201 million barrels, about a million barrels less than a year ago.
- EIA’s current forecast is for gasoline markets to remain relatively tight entering the driving season and through next year. Low inventory levels raise the risk of price volatility, especially in response to regional supply problems.
