Oil prices pump higher, WTI knocks on $69.00 despite rising US stockpiles


  • Demand for fossil fuels is struggling to eat up current production levels, but oil markets are hoping for things to even out.
  • The amount of oil being imported into the US rose 2.2 million bpd this week, while US oil capacity also increased as American fossil companies hit new record production highs.

Crude oil prices knocked higher on Wednesday as consumption indicators signal that demand for crude is on the rise, and WTI kicked higher to 68.96 despite a continuing buildup in US inventories.

US crude oil production hit 11 million barrels per day, and the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed that American crude oil stocks rose by 5.8 million barrels in the previous week, and net crude imports into the US also lifted by 2.2 million per day. US production continues to climb, and imports of foreign crude are also on the rise, potentially risking another future logjam in American inventories. 

Despite the climb in available oil, crude prices lifted on Wednesday in the news that imported oil numbers were on the rise, and traders are opting to believe that domestic demand will continue to grow over time, eating away at the current surplus that is once again building as US crude producers pump out barrels faster than their customers can buy them.

WTI Levels to watch

Oil prices have been in decline from a recent peak at 75.35, bottoming out at 67.25, and the late-day surge on rising crude imports saw WTI barrels take a swipe at the 69.00 level, though continued reports of inventory pileup for the US could easily see crude costs back on the downside, pushing into June's lows near 63.50.

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD clings to daily gains above 1.0650

EUR/USD gained traction and turned positive on the day above 1.0650. The improvement seen in risk mood following the earlier flight to safety weighs on the US Dollar ahead of the weekend and helps the pair push higher.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD recovers toward 1.2450 after UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD reversed its direction and advanced to the 1.2450 area after touching a fresh multi-month low below 1.2400 in the Asian session. The positive shift seen in risk mood on easing fears over a deepening Iran-Israel conflict supports the pair.

GBP/USD News

Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike

Gold holds steady at around $2,380 following earlier spike

Gold stabilized near $2,380 after spiking above $2,400 with the immediate reaction to reports of Israel striking Iran. Meanwhile, the pullback seen in the US Treasury bond yields helps XAU/USD hold its ground.

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC post-halving rally could be partially priced in

Bitcoin price shows no signs of directional bias while it holds above  $60,000. The fourth BTC halving is partially priced in, according to Deutsche Bank’s research. 

Read more

Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda

Week ahead – US GDP and BoJ decision on top of next week’s agenda

US GDP, core PCE and PMIs the next tests for the Dollar. Investors await BoJ for guidance about next rate hike. EU and UK PMIs, as well as Australian CPIs also on tap.

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures