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US crude oil stockpiles rose last week, adding pressure to global prices and raising fresh concerns about fuel demand.
Government data released on Wednesday showed crude inventories increased by 1.8 million barrels for the week ending September 26, bringing total commercial stocks to 416.5 million barrels. That level remains 4% below the five-year average, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
The surprise build contrasted with private industry data a day earlier, which suggested a drawdown of 3.67 million barrels. Oil traders responded quickly. By mid-morning in New York, Brent crude fell $0.86 to $65.17 a barrel, while WTI slipped $0.84 to $61.23.
Gasoline inventories also climbed, rising 4.1 million barrels after a drop the previous week. Production slowed to 9.3 million barrels per day, reflecting softer demand. Distillates, including diesel and heating oil, grew by 600,000 barrels, though stocks remain 6% below seasonal averages.
“Rising inventories at a time when demand should be stronger is making traders nervous,” said a New York-based energy analyst. “The market is watching whether this signals a seasonal slowdown or something deeper.”
Over the past four weeks, total products supplied averaged 20.3 million barrels per day, up 1.2% year-on-year. But gasoline demand averaged just 8.7 million barrels per day, and distillates slipped 4.4% from last year.
Analysts say the data highlights the fragile balance between supply and demand. “If demand doesn’t pick up soon, producers may be forced to scale back,” one Houston trader warned.
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