Oil eased on Wednesday after closely watched data showed a surprise rise in United States (US) crude stockpiles, but prices were supported by mounting tensions in West Asia.
Brent crude futures were at $70.90 a barrel at 0100 GMT, down 41 cents, or 0.7 per cent, from their last close. Brent closed up 1.4 per cent on Tuesday.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $61.39 per barrel, down 24 cents, or 0.3 per cent, from their previous settlement. WTI closed up 1.2 per cent in the previous session.
US crude stockpiles unexpectedly rose last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories increased, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday.
