Crude oil inventories unexpectedly climbed last week, according to data released Wednesday morning by the Energy Information Administration. Prices moved nearly 4% lower on the report.
U.S. commercial crude oil inventories increased by 2.8 million barrels in the week ended September 18. A decline of 2.25 million barrels was forecast. At 335.6 million barrels, stockpiles are above the upper boundary of the average range for this time of year.
Total motor gasoline inventories surged by 5.4 million barrels last week. A more modest rise of 800,000 barrels was predicted.
Distillate fuel inventories rose by 3 million barrels and propane/propylene inventories climbed by 1.3 million barrels. Total commercial petroleum inventories increased by 8.0 million barrels.
