C5+ stock levels were down 48% over a year-on-year basis from October 2008 to October 2009 as stocks decreased from 961,000 barrels (bbl) to 503,000 bbl, according to the most recent information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

The October 2009 stock level represented a 41% decrease during a six-month period dating back to May 2009 and a 22% decrease from the September 2009 stock level of 644,000 bbl. These heavy decreases were due to October 2009 representing the smallest single-month stock level during the past 17 years.

The EIA defines pentanes plus as “a mixture of hydrocarbons, mostly pentanes and heavier, extracted from natural gas. Includes isopentane, natural gasoline, and plant condensate.” – Frank Nieto