SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Oil prices slid on Thursday as inventory data in the United States, the world’s top oil consumer, showed a surge in gasoline stocks that indicates weaker-than-expected fuel demand at the start of summer, the country’s peak season for motoring.
Brent crude oil futures were down 34 cents, or 0.5%, at $71.88 a barrel by 0108 GMT, while U.S. oil futures declined by 36 cents, or 0.5%, at $69.60 a barrel.
“Markets had been optimistic on demand as the U.S. enters the peak summer driving season,” analysts from ANZ Research said in a note on Thursday.
“An acceleration in (coronavirus) vaccinations and rising traffic numbers are a plus for demand for transportation fuel. However, this data highlights it won’t be a smooth road back to recovery.”
