OREANDA-NEWS. Total petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) grew by 2.2 percent from July 2014 to average nearly 19.6 million barrels per day last month, according to API’s Monthly Statistical Report for July 2015.  

“Demand for and production of oil and refined products grew across the board over the last year,” said API Chief Economist John Felmy. “In fact, demand for and production of oil and refined products were the highest July in eight years, since 2007.”

Gasoline demand rose last month by 2.1 percent from July 2014 to just above 9.4 million barrels per day, and distillate demand rose 1.1 percent.

At an average of 9.5 million barrels per day, U.S. crude oil production increased by 8.8 percent from July 2014. This was the highest July level since 1920 for crude oil production.

Natural gas liquids production averaged nearly 3.4 million barrels per day, which was the highest for the month on record and set the new all-time record production level.

According to the latest reports from Baker-Hughes, Inc., the number of oil and gas rigs in the U.S. in July was 866, 53.8 percent below the year ago level. Last month’s count was the second lowest count since January 2003.

U.S. total petroleum imports in July averaged nearly 9.4 million barrels per day, down 1.0 percent from the prior year. Meanwhile, crude oil imports in July were down compared with the prior year, falling by 5.5 percent from July 2014 to average 7.2 million barrels per day.

At an average of nearly 10.0 million barrels per day, production of gasoline in July was the second highest level ever for the month. Production of distillate fuel in July rose by 1.6 percent from the prior year to reach an average output of 5.1 million barrels per day, the second highest July level ever.

Refinery gross inputs in July rose by 0.1 percent from last year to reach a record high for the month at nearly 16.9 million barrels per day. Exports of refined petroleum products were up over the same period.

The refinery capacity utilization rate in July averaged above 90.0 percent for the fourth consecutive time this year at 94.0 percent. API’s latest refinery operable capacity was 17.956 million barrels per day.

Crude oil stocks ended in July averaging at nearly 460.0 million barrels–the highest July inventory level in 85 years, since 1930. Stocks of motor gasoline ended down by 0.2 percent from last year, to 216.5 million barrels. Distillate, jet fuel, and “other oil” stocks were up from year ago levels

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.