U.S. EIA refinery utilization rate last week (as of 0731) fell short of expectations: 96.5% vs 96.9%

U.S. EIA refinery utilization hit 96.5%, missing the 96.9% forecast and prior 97.2%, signaling slowing industrial activity and supporting tighter liquidity expectations.

Last week, the U.S. EIA reported a refinery utilization rate of 96.5%, lower than the expected 96.9% and the previous value of 97.2%. The weaker-than-expected figure indicates slowing industrial activity, providing some support for expectations of tighter liquidity conditions.