(NAFB.com) – The Energy Information Administration says U.S. ethanol output rose to its highest level in six weeks and inventories jumped in the seven days ending on July 25. Total production surged to an average of 1.096 million barrels a day, up from 1.078 million a week earlier. The agency said that’s the highest level since June 13. In the Midwest, which produces the most ethanol, output averaged 1.04 million barrels a day, up from 1.026 million the week before. East Coast output jumped from 9,000 to 12,000 barrels a day, while Rocky Mountain production was up an average of 1,000 barrels a day to 11,000 during the week. Gulf Coast production was also up 1,000 barrels a day to an average of 25,000 barrels a day. West Coast output held steady compared to the prior week. Ethanol stockpiles on July 25 totaled 24.7 million barrels, reaching the highest level since April 18.