Oil Prices Slide Amid Surprise US Crude Stock Build

Oil prices fell on Wednesday after an unexpected increase in US crude inventories offset concerns over supply disruptions following an attack on Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline.

Brent crude futures dropped 93 cents, or 0.86%, to $107.82 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 97 cents, or 0.92%, to $104.86 at 0028 GMT on Wednesday.

The increase in US crude inventories was unexpected, with American Petroleum Institute data showing a rise of 7.1 million barrels in the week ended September 11, sharply above analysts' forecasts of a decline of around 1.6 million barrels.

Saudi Arabia's pipeline disruption raised supply concerns, with the East-West pipeline being an important alternative route for the world's largest crude exporter to transport around 4 million barrels per day to the Red Sea, representing roughly 4% of global oil supply.