U.S. Crude Inventories Rise 0.9M Barrels, Defying Forecasts; Gasoline, Distillates Drop

U.S. crude oil inventories unexpectedly rose by 0.9 million barrels in the week ended September 25, 2026, the Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday, confounding economists' expectations of a 0.3 million-barrel decline. The build follows a 3.0 million-barrel increase the prior week, pushing total crude stocks to 427.3 million barrels, 2 percent above the five-year average for this time of year. Gasoline inventories fell by 1.7 million barrels and stand 7 percent below the five-year seasonal average, the EIA said. Distillate stocks, including heating oil and diesel, dropped 2.3 million barrels and remain 14 percent below the five-year average, signaling persistently tight refined-product markets. The mixed report showed crude building against expectations while refined fuels drew down sharply, reflecting firm demand for petroleum products.