Crude oil inventories in the U.S. moved down during the week ended December 14, official data showed Wednesday.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration in its weekly crude oil report said U.S. commercial crude oil inventories decreased by 1.00 million barrels to 371.60 million barrels last week, but are well above the upper limit of the average range for this time of year.
The week before, crude oil inventories increased 0.80 million barrels to 372.60 million barrels.
Meanwhile, total motor gasoline inventories jumped by 2.20 million barrels last week, after increasing by 5.00 million barrels in the prior week, and are above the upper limit of the average range.
Analysts were expecting crude oil inventories to shed 2.30 million barrels and gasoline stocks to add 2 million barrels last week
Late Tuesday, data from the API revealed that U.S. crude oil inventories dipped 4.10 million barrels and gasoline stocks gained 4.20million barrels in the week ended December 14.
Oil refinery inputs averaged about 15.60 million barrels per day during the week, which were 227,000 barrels per day above the previous week's average as refineries operated at 91.50 percent of their operable capacity.
Meantime, U.S. crude oil imports during the week averaged 8.40 million barrels per day last week, down by 100,000 barrels per day from the previous week, official data revealed. Over the last four weeks, imports have averaged over 8.30 million barrels per day, which were 288,000 barrels per day below the same four-week period last year.
Light Sweet Crude Oil (WTI) futures for February delivery are adding $0.25 to $88.65 a barrel.
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Market Analysis
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.