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Oil prices fell on Thursday in Asia following reports that U.S. crude oil inventories rose unexpectedly last week.
U.S Crude Oil WTI Futures were down 0.14% to $62.37 by 1:18 AM ET (05:18 GMT). while international Brent Oil Futures dropped 0.1% to $69.27.
Despite the fall today. WTI remains up more than 35% for the year and Brent 28%. supported by aggressive production cuts from OPEC and Russian-led allies and U.S. sanctions against Iran and Venezuela.
On Wednesday. the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in its regular weekly report that crude oil inventories grew by 7.24 million barrels in the week to March 29.
That compared to forecasts for a stockpile draw of 0.43 million barrels. after a gain of 2.80 million barrels in the previous week.
The EIA report also showed that gasoline inventories fell by 1.78 million barrels. compared to expectations for a draw of 1.54 million barrels. while distillate stockpiles dropped by 2.0 million barrels. compared to forecasts for a decline of 0.51 million.
In other news. positive signs in the Sino-U.S. trade front eased concerns over the potential negative impact on oil demand from the world’s two biggest oil importers.
Trade talks made “good headway“ last week in Beijing and the two sides are having further talks to iron out remaining differences. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said on Wednesday.
`Positive rhetoric regarding a U.S.-China trade deal could continue supporting crude. and even lift it higher from here.` said Tariq Zahir. managing member at the oil-focused Tyche Capital Advisors fund in New York.
`But that could all take a step back if the president starts tweeting or threatening some sort of action against the rally.`
