Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Petroleum and Petroleum Products Inventories/Sales Ratio
R4247IM163SCEN • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
0.35
Year-over-Year Change
6.06%
Date Range
1/1/1992 - 6/1/2025
Summary
The Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Petroleum and Petroleum Products Inventories/Sales Ratio measures the inventory-to-sales ratio for wholesale petroleum and petroleum products. This is a key indicator of supply and demand trends in the energy sector.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
This economic series tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesalers of petroleum and petroleum products, excluding manufacturers' sales branches and offices. It provides insight into supply-chain dynamics and inventory management within the energy industry.
Methodology
The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers.
Historical Context
Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the health of the petroleum supply chain and potential price pressures.
Key Facts
- The ratio reached a high of 1.39 in April 2020 due to the pandemic-driven drop in demand.
- Falling ratios can signal tightening supply and potential price increases for consumers.
- Wholesale petroleum inventories are a key input for models of energy market dynamics.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: This metric tracks the ratio of inventories to sales for wholesale merchants of petroleum and petroleum products. It provides insight into supply and demand dynamics in the energy sector.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: The inventory-to-sales ratio is an important indicator of supply chain health and potential price pressures in the energy market, making it relevant for policymakers, investors, and economic analysts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected through monthly surveys of merchant wholesalers by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Policymakers and analysts monitor this ratio to assess the state of the petroleum supply chain and potential inflationary pressures, which can inform energy and macroeconomic policies.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The data is published monthly with a typical 1-2 month lag, and may be subject to revisions as more complete information becomes available.
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Sales
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Total Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices Inventories/Sales Ratio
R42IRSM163SCEN
Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods Inventories/Sales Ratio
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Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Chemicals and Allied Products Sales
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Merchant Wholesalers, Except Manufacturers' Sales Branches and Offices: Nondurable Goods: Petroleum and Petroleum Products Inventories/Sales Ratio (R4247IM163SCEN), retrieved from FRED.