The volume recorded in the first quarter was 90 percent of the total volume sold in 2017 (19.05 million gallons), according to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. 

Sales in the first quarter of this year was also over six times the volume in the same quarter in 2017 (2.79 million gallons). 

E15 sales in March this year was 6.15 million gallons - a new monthly record for Minnesota. 

In addition, the Department of Commerce has revised upwards E15 sales for January and February to 5.66 million gallons and 5.46 million gallons respectively. It had previously reported volumes of 4.6 million gallons and 4.46 million gallons for January and February respectively. 

The change in January and February's volumes came as more stations carrying E15 submitted their numbers to the Department of Commerce. 

Meanwhile, E85 sales in Minnesota in the first quarter totaled 3.51 million gallons compared to 3.11 million gallons in the same period in 2017. See the table below for a snapshot comparison of mid-blend sales in 2018 and 2017 (all figures are in gallons).