EIA: US crude inventories fell as refineries ramped up operating rates

The Energy Information Agency reported a decrease of 2.8 million barrels in the US commercial crude inventories last week, to 415.6 million barrels as refineries in the countries ramp up operating rates to meet the demand at home and overseas.

The average operating rates among refineries were at 95% last week, up from 94% the week before. 

Gasoline stocks, however, rose 2.6 million barrels compared to the market expectations of a 452,000 barrels drop, which pull the international benchmark lower on the fear that the buildups were a result of slower economic growth.