U.S. crude oil refinery inputs averaged 15.2 million barrels per day during the week ending April 30, 2021 which was 225,000 barrels per day more than the previous week’s average. Refineries operated at 86.5% of their operable capacity last week. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.1 million barrels per day. Distillate fuel production decreased last week, averaging 4.5 million barrels per day. U.S. crude oil imports averaged 5.5 million barrels per day last week, decreased by 1.2 million barrels per day from the previous week. Over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged about 5.8 million ... (full story)

Oil prices are up for a third straight day this morning as the easing of lockdowns in the US and parts of Europe prompted hopes of an increase in fuel demand over the summer months and offset concerns about rising COVID-19 infections in India and Japan. "A return to $70 oil is edging closer to becoming reality," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM. "The jump in oil prices came amid expectations of strong demand as Western economies reopen. Indeed, anticipation of a pick-up in fuel and energy usage in the United States and Europe over the summer months is running high," he said. Last night's surprisingly large ... (full story)