Oil prices extended gains as the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a draw down in U.S. commercial crude inventories.
Stockpiles of U.S. oil fell by 3.9 million barrels, versus analysts' expectations for a 1.5-million barrel build. With 487 million barrels in storage, total inventories remained at the highest levels on record.
The price of oil rose earlier, up about 2.5%, amid news of an oil train derailment in North Dakota. At least five cars were on fire in a derailment that involved a train with 109 cars in total. No injuries were reported.
Oil prices rose more than $1 U.S. to fresh 2015 highs on Wednesday, continuing a month-long rally that has been supported by a weaker dollar and a disruption to crude exports from Libya.
Oil bulls have pushed prices higher this week, after a rally of 20% for Brent and 25% for U.S. crude prices in April, despite indications that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) may keep production unchanged at current high levels at a meeting next month.
Brent crude jumped $1.77 to $69.29 U.S. a barrel mid-morning Wednesday, hitting a new 2015 peak. U.S. crude traded $1.72 higher at $62.12 U.S. a barrel, also topping the day's intraday high.
