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Posted August 20, 2025 at 10:30 am
US crude oil and gasoline inventories fell more than analysts expected last week, even with storage levels still topping last year’s figures and refinery activity near full throttle.
For the week ending August 15, 2025, commercial crude stocks dropped by 6 million barrels—far outpacing Bloomberg’s 850,000-barrel forecast. Gasoline stocks shrank by 2.7 million barrels, also beating expectations for a minor 317,000-barrel dip. The headline drops suggest tightening supply, though total crude inventories, including the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), are still 2.6% higher than a year ago. The SPR rose slightly for a second straight week as the government continues topping up its emergency stash. Meanwhile, distillate inventories—think diesel and heating oil—rose by 2.3 million barrels yet remain 5.5% lower than last year. With US refineries running at a busy 96.6% capacity, it all points to solid demand and healthy refining margins.
For markets: Unexpected supply dips keep traders on edge.
The outsized declines in crude and gasoline stocks hint at sturdy demand—possibly paired with supply constraints. Overall inventories may still beat last year’s, but they’re sitting about 6% under the five-year average. That kind of tightness raises the risk of price swings, especially ahead of fall refinery maintenance. Traders are watching for sharper moves in energy stocks and futures as market volatility stays front and center.
The bigger picture: Stockpile trends spotlight evolving energy priorities.
Larger inventories versus a year ago show how US supply chains have rebounded from global shocks. Still, numbers below the five-year mark point to ongoing supply challenges. With refinery runs high and export demand holding, policymakers are keeping a close eye on gradually rebuilding the SPR to juggle both energy security and market stability.
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Originally Posted August 20, 2025 – US Oil And Gasoline Stocks Fell More Than Expected Last Week
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Buenas tardes, muchas bendiciones para todos ustedes en esta tarde y siempre. Sugiero que le pudieran brindar una su titulación al video para que la comunidad de habla hispana podamos disfrutar de tantos interesantes podcast que ustedes ofrecen en la plataforma. Saludos Marcello
Hola Marcello, gracias por contactarnos. Sí, tenemos cursos de Traders’ Academy disponibles en español. Pase el cursor sobre “Cursos” a la izquierda y haga clic en “Español (LatAM)”. ¡Esperamos que esto le resulte útil!