Energy

Crude Oil Inventory Increase Calls Halt to Rising Prices

153715598
Thinkstock
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its weekly petroleum status report Wednesday morning. U.S. commercial crude inventories increased by 6.3 million barrels last week, maintaining a total U.S. commercial crude inventory of 413.1 million barrels, the fourth consecutive week of a higher total than at any time in at least 80 years.

Total gasoline inventories increased by 2.3 million barrels last week and remain well above the upper limit of the five-year average range. Total motor gasoline supplied (the EIA’s measure of consumption) averaged 8.8 million barrels a day for the past four weeks, up by 6.3% compared with the same period a year ago.

Distillate inventories increased by 1.8 million barrels last week and have moved into the middle of the average range. Distillate product supplied averaged 4.2 million barrels a day over the past four weeks, up by 4.7% when compared with the same period last year. Distillate production averaged 4.7 million barrels a day last week, about the same as the prior week’s production.

Tuesday evening the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported that crude inventories rose by 6.1 million barrels, gasoline stockpiles had risen by 2 million barrels and distillate stocks rose by 278,000 barrels in the week ending January 30. For the same period, analysts had estimated an increase of 3.1 million barrels in crude inventories and a rise of 3.5 million barrels in gasoline stockpiles.

ALSO READ: North Dakota Faces Huge Budget Shortfall From Lower Crude Prices

Before the EIA report, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for March delivery was trading down about 4% at around $51.00 a barrel Wednesday morning. The WTI price fell further to around $50.25 (down about 5.3% for the day) immediately after the report was released. The 52-week range on WTI futures is $43.58 to $100.52.

For the past week, crude imports averaged 7.4 million barrels a day, down by 34,000 barrels a day from in the previous week. Refineries were running at 89.9% of capacity, with daily input of more than 15.5 million barrels, about 288,000 barrels a day above the previous week’s average.

Crude prices have risen sharply in the past three trading days, following steep drops in the number of rigs working in the United States. As U.S. refineries enter their planned maintenance period, prices for crude could fall slightly as demand falls, while gasoline prices could rise as the supply dwindles. This is a seasonal pattern leading up to the summer driving season, when demand typically rises and so do pump prices.

According to AAA, the current national average pump price per gallon of regular gasoline is $2.111, up from $2.038 a week ago but down from $2.209 a month ago. Last year a gallon of regular cost $3.274 on average in the United States. The weekly price drops have ended for now, and prices have turned back upward.

ALSO READ: 5 Top Producers in the Eagle Ford Shale

Here is a look at how share prices for two exchange traded funds reacted to the latest report.

The United States Oil ETF (NYSEMKT: USO) traded down about 3.8%, at $18.88 in a 52-week range of $16.30 to $39.44.

The Market Vectors Oil Services ETF (NYSEMKT: OIH) also traded down, nearly 2% to $35.14, in a 52-week range of $31.63 to $58.01.

100 Million Americans Are Missing This Crucial Retirement Tool

The thought of burdening your family with a financial disaster is most Americans’ nightmare. However, recent studies show that over 100 million Americans still don’t have proper life insurance in the event they pass away.

Life insurance can bring peace of mind – ensuring your loved ones are safeguarded against unforeseen expenses and debts. With premiums often lower than expected and a variety of plans tailored to different life stages and health conditions, securing a policy is more accessible than ever.

A quick, no-obligation quote can provide valuable insight into what’s available and what might best suit your family’s needs. Life insurance is a simple step you can take today to help secure peace of mind for your loved ones tomorrow.

Click here to learn how to get a quote in just a few minutes.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.