US commercial crude oil inventories increased last week, but gasoline stockpiles dropped sharply during the peak of the summer driving season, the Energy Department reported Wednesday.
In the week ending Aug. 12, commercial crude oil inventories rose by 0.3 million barrels to 321.1 million, according to the report.
The supply of distillate fuel, including diesel and heating oil, also increased by 1.2 million barrels to 131.1 million.
However, gasoline stockpiles plunged 5.0 million barrels last week to 198.1 million, near the bottom end of the average range for this time of year, the report said.
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US commercial crude oil inventories increased last week
