The coronavirus pandemic’s induced reduction in gasoline demand and fuel use resulted in 2 billion gallons in reduced ethanol production from March to November. That equals an estimated $3.8 billion in lost revenues for the ethanol industry, and 700 million bushels of corn not ground, according to Scott Richman, economist at the Renewable Fuels Association.
During a call with the media Wednesday morning, Richman says the economic impact to the ethanol industry is continuing. “The impact from this pandemic is not over yet. Even though our industry is very resilient, it’s taken a direct hit from this pandemic.” Richman says the industry is hopeful vaccines approved and now being distributed will help, but it’s probably not going to amount to a full recovery until late spring at the earliest. Read more