U.S. Refineries Run Above 95% Capacity from May to September 2026

U.S. refinery utilization averaged over 95% of capacity between May and September 2026, the highest for those months since 1998. Tight global product supplies boosted margins for petroleum products, especially diesel, driving higher run rates. Total U.S. refinery output was the highest since 2019, though refining capacity has decreased by 4% since 1991. Utilization in early October decreased from summer highs but remained above the five-year (2021–2025) seasonal average.