US propane and propylene stocks declined 257,000 barrels to 79.16 million barrels for the reporting week ending December 5, Energy Information Administration data showed Wednesday.
The decline was much smaller than the comparable week of 2013 when these stocks fell by 2.6 million barrels.
Midwest stocks dropped 42,000 barrels to 26.1 million barrels, compared to a 440,000-barrel decline in the comparable week last year.
The Midwest typically sees higher seasonal demand for propane during the winter, when it is used for heating and crop drying.
Gulf Coast stocks rose by 305,000 barrels to 43.52 million barrels. During the comparable week last year, Gulf Coast stocks fell 2.2 million barrels.
Atlantic Coast stocks dipped 455,000 barrels to 5.6 million barrels.
US stocks of propylene for nonfuel use increased 159,000 barrels week on week to 3.2 million barrels.
Imports over the reporting week rose 8,000 b/d to 100,000 b/d, while exports stayed flat at 445,000 b/d.
Implied demand increased 5.4% week on week to 1.3 million b/d.
– Platts.com
