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Oil costs edge lower on increasing US stockpiles

Oil rates fell in early Asian trading hours on Wednesday after market sources stated that information from the American Petroleum Institute revealed an increase in U.S. crude and fuel stockpiles, an indicator of weak need.

Brent crude oil futures fell 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $ 82.95 a barrel by 0020 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 13 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.25 a barrel.

U.S. unrefined stocks increased by 509,000 barrels in the week ended May 3, market sources said mentioning American Petroleum Institute figures. Fuel and extract fuel stocks likewise rose, they said.

Official U.S. government data on stockpiles is due at 1430 GMT. Analysts surveyed expect U.S. petroleum inventories to have actually fallen by about 1.1 million barrels last week.

Both benchmarks fell partially in the previous session on indications of reducing supply tightness. The EIA upgraded its forecasts for 2024 and now expects world oil and liquids output to grow more this year than earlier projections, and need to grow less than it previously believed.

Hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza have actually likewise put pressure on oil prices in recent sessions.

The U.S. believes negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire must be able to close the gaps in between Israel and Hamas. U.S. Central Intelligence Company Director Bill Burns will take a trip to Israel on Wednesday for talks with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top authorities, a source familiar with the matter told .

Also weighing on oil, the U.S. dollar edged higher on Wednesday. A more powerful greenback moistens oil need by making it more costly for investors holding other currencies.

(source: Reuters)