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Oil ends somewhat firmer after United States crude stock draw, firmer dollar

Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday after data showed U.S. crude stockpiles fell last week as refiners gradually increase output ahead of the summer season driving season, while a more powerful dollar topped gains.

Brent crude oil futures settled 42 cents, or 0.5%,. greater at $83.58 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude. futures rose 61 cents, or 0.8%, to $78.99 a barrel.

U.S. crude stocks fell by 1.4 million barrels to 459.5. million barrels last week, government information revealed, compared with. a 1.1 million-barrel draw that experts anticipate and market. data that showed a 509,000-barrel boost.

More powerful refining activity and exports have actually motivated. a minor draw to crude stocks, assisting relax some of last. week's big develop, said Matt Smith, lead oil expert at Kpler.

Refinery utilization rates rose by 1 portion point to. 88.5% of overall capacity, however was still lower than rates of 91% a. year ago ahead of the Memorial Day weekend at the end of May. that starts the peak season for gas need.

Gasoline demand is still below 9 million barrels (per. day) ahead of the start of the summer driving season. That is a. pretty grim situation here, said Bob Yawger, director of energy. at Mizuho.

A reinforcing dollar, which got as investors bet. on the U.S. economy outshining peers, weighed on crude oil. rates. A more powerful greenback moistens oil demand by making the. dollar-denominated commodity more costly for investors. holding other currencies.

Hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza have put some downward pressure. on oil costs in current trading sessions, with some experts. saying the risk premium on oil had decreased in tandem.

Removing the present geopolitical trigger leaves the. market looking into a world of sticky inflation in the U.S. that. is countered by rate of interest that not just keep the U.S. dollar raised however make any sort of commodity trading more. pricey, PVM Oil analyst John Evans said.

The U.S. believes settlements on a Gaza ceasefire must be. able to close the gaps in between Israel and Hamas. U.S. Central. Intelligence Agency Director William Burns traveled to Israel. on Wednesday and met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin. Netanyahu, an Israel official stated.

(source: Reuters)