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Oil rates constant on United States inventories drawdown expectations

Oil rates steadied on Wednesday on expectations for greater need as the U.S. dollar weakened and a report revealed U.S. crude and gas inventories fell, but longer term, need in developed nations was seen flagging this year.

Brent unrefined futures were down 5 cents at $82.33 a. barrel at 1042 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate unrefined futures. ( WTI) fell 1 cent to $78.01 a barrel.

U.S. crude oil stocks fell by 3.104 million barrels in. the week ended May 10, according to market sources citing. American Petroleum Institute figures on Tuesday.

Gasoline inventories fell by 1.269 million barrels and. distillates rose by 673,000 barrels.

U.S. government inventory information is due later Wednesday. which is likely to also reveal a drop in crude stockpiles as. refineries increase their go to satisfy increased fuel demand. heading into the peak northern hemisphere summertime driving season.

Still, the International Energy Firm (IEA) cut its. projection for 2024 oil demand development on Wednesday by 140,000. barrels each day (bpd) to 1.1 million bpd, largely pointing out weak. need in developed OECD countries.

Oil need in those countries really contracted in the. very first quarter of this year, the IEA included.

Rates will remain range bound between $80-$ 90 through. 2Q24, said Macquarie international oil and gas strategist Vikas. Dwivedi.

After 2Q, we expect oil will end up being bearish as an outcome of. non-OPEC supply growth, decreasing OPEC+ space capability and. softer-than-anticipated demand due to consistent inflation.

U.S. customer cost index (CPI) information is likewise due on. Wednesday and needs to provide a clearer indication whether the. Federal Reserve may cut interest rates later on this year, which. could spur the economy and increase fuel demand.

Oil rates likewise discovered assistance from a softer U.S. dollar and. concerns around Canadian oil supply.

A big wildfire is approaching Fort McMurray, the center for. Canada's oil sands market that produces 3.3 million barrels. daily of crude, or two-thirds of the country's total output.

(source: Reuters)