Unexpected inventory builds and reduced refinery capacity impact oil prices

  • U.S. crude oil inventories rose unexpectedly last week
  • Gasoline and distillate fuel stocks saw above-forecast builds
  • Refineries reduced their capacity use
  • Crude oil production remained stable at 13.2 million barrels a day
  • Imports of crude oil fell while exports were down
  • Gasoline stockpiles rose by 8 million barrels
  • Distillate stocks rose by 6.5 million barrels

U.S. crude oil inventories rose unexpectedly last week, while stocks of gasoline and distillate fuels saw above-forecast builds and refineries reduced their capacity use, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Crude oil production remained stable at 13.2 million barrels a day, while imports of crude oil fell and exports were down. Gasoline stockpiles rose by 8 million barrels, and distillate stocks rose by 6.5 million barrels. These unexpected inventory builds and reduced refinery capacity are impacting oil prices.

Public Companies:
Private Companies:
Key People:

Factuality Level: 7
Justification: The article provides data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration regarding the rise in U.S. crude oil inventories, gasoline and distillate fuels stocks, and refinery capacity use. The information is supported by numbers and figures, which adds credibility to the article. However, there is a quote from Phil Flynn of the Price Futures Group that introduces an opinion, which may introduce some bias. Overall, the article provides factual information but includes a minor element of opinion.

Noise Level: 6
Justification: The article provides data on U.S. crude oil inventories, gasoline and distillate fuels, and refinery capacity use. It also includes analyst predictions and explanations for the unexpected builds in product stocks. However, it lacks a thoughtful analysis of long-term trends or antifragility, and does not hold powerful people accountable or provide actionable insights or solutions.

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: The news article provides information on U.S. crude oil inventories, gasoline stockpiles, and distillate stocks. This information can impact the oil and energy markets, as well as companies involved in the production, refining, and distribution of crude oil and petroleum products.

Presence of Extreme Event: No
Nature of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating of the Extreme Event: No
Justification: The news article does not describe any extreme events. It primarily focuses on the unexpected rise in U.S. crude oil inventories, above-forecast builds in gasoline and distillate stocks, and a reduction in refinery capacity use.

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com