U.S. commercial crude oil inventories (excluding those in the Strategic
Petroleum Reserve) fell by 0.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 295.1
million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are in the upper half of the average
range for this time of year. Distillate fuel inventories decreased by 0.8
million barrels last week, and remain just below the lower end of the average
range for this time of year. Total motor gasoline inventories increased by 0.9
million barrels last week, and are above the top of the average range. Total
commercial petroleum inventories declined by 6.8 million barrels last week, but
remain around the middle of the average range.