U.S. Crude Inventories Extend Declining Streak Amid Production Rebound

Domestic crude production rebounded sharply following recent storm-related disruptions, climbing by 723,000 barrels per day to reach 14 million barrels per day. Imports and exports also saw significant movement, with exports increasing by 1.4 million barrels per day to 4.9 million. Despite this output recovery, refinery utilization dipped to 92.8% of capacity, as crude inputs to processing facilities fell by 123,000 barrels per day.

Fuel markets showed divergent patterns across the board. Gasoline inventories swelled by 3.9 million barrels to 209.2 million, defying market expectations of a drawdown, even as gasoline demand dropped by 625,000 barrels per day. Conversely, distillate stocks tightened, falling by 1.5 million barrels to 102.8 million. These levels remain 10% below the five-year average for this time of year, underscoring the ongoing volatility in refined product supplies as the industry navigates fluctuating demand.