US Ethanol prices jump 5% in late May 2026, as demand firms

May ethanol prices ended the month firmer as demand momentum and higher feedstock costs tightened balance. Early May ethanol strength was underpinned by blend-mandate momentum and policy actions that supported uptake; mid-month activity softened as production and stocks rose, but by late May ethanol blenders reabsorbed spot ethanol volumes, reversing the pullback. The pattern shifted from policy-driven support to a mid-month ethanol supply test before rallying into the final week, leaving the outlook biased toward firmness into early June. Demand across key sectors remained supportive, with fuel blending the dominant pillar as ethanol blenders sustained a full mix across E10, E15 and E85 and absorbed spot volumes. Flex-fuel consumption provided moderate support, while exports softened, reducing an outlet for excess supply. Regional spot dynamics influenced flows, with Texas-area strength noted. Corn costs rose modestly, adding inflationary pressure and squeezing margins. Ethanol production capacity remains ample with ongoing expansion; seasonal CAP restrictions provide upside constraints. The ethanol market upheld a bullish tilt on demand and feedstock economics.