Overview
- The U.S. Energy Information Administration confirmed a 4 million-barrel increase in crude oil inventories for the week ending May 9, surpassing expectations of a drawdown.
- Gasoline stocks decreased by 1.4 million barrels, while distillate inventories saw a sharper decline of 3.7 million barrels during the same period.
- The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) added 500,000 barrels, continuing its partial replenishment after significant withdrawals in prior years.
- Cushing, Oklahoma, crude inventories fell by 850,000 barrels, reflecting localized supply adjustments at the key WTI delivery hub.
- Oil prices experienced volatility, with traders weighing the crude stock build against product draws and seasonal demand dynamics ahead of summer driving season.