well out in the lead

[Tofu]

Hello Alan, Mister Micawber, Beeesneees, Mordant, Esl_Expert and other native English speakers,

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http://tinyurl.com/2elvfkb
In terms of the use of crude oil specifically, the IEA says the United States remains well out in the lead, consuming some 19 million barrels per day. But China's economy relies on coal for much of its electricity generation, and its crude consumption is also climbing from its current level of just over nine million barrels per day.
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in the lead is the same thing as "in the lead" in The latest polls show the Democratic candidate in the lead, isn't it?

What is well out? Is the phrase stressing in the lead?

[Beeesneees]

Yes.

Well out in front/in the lead. = Has a considerable lead over his nearest rival.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Tofu]

Thank you, B.
Is it possible to say "...remains considerably in the red" in place of "...remains well out in the red"?

[Beeesneees]

Not 'red', but 'lead'. (to rhyme with 'need')

I would write that as 'has a considerable lead'. It sounds less stilted.
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Cheers m' dears!

[Tofu]

If you say "has a considerable lead," does the sentence sound better with "still"?

...the IEA says the United States still has a considerable lead...

[Beeesneees]

Yes. It adds information. They had a lead before and they still do. Otherwise it is not clear that they previously had a lead.
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Cheers m' dears!