US Crude Oil Stocks Rise Slightly Amid Refinery Activity

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has reported a small increase in commercial crude oil inventories, reaching 429 million barrels as of August 21. This marks an increase of 95,000 barrels from the previous week.

Refineries operated at nearly full capacity, with 97.4% utilization during the same period. In contrast, gasoline stocks decreased by 2.5 million barrels to 206.8 million, while distillate stocks fell by 2.2 million barrels to 103.3 million.

The Brent crude price has come under some pressure following the release of this data, but the impact on oil markets remains limited at present.