US Crude Inventories

Crude prices rose as expanded Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure kept geopolitical risk firmly in focus. Natural gas moved lower after a larger than expected storage injection shifted attention back to supply cushions and near term demand.

Oil prices are consolidating after recent gains as traders balance Middle East supply concerns against diplomatic efforts aimed at easing conflict. WTI is hovering near $101.70, while Brent is near $114.90, with technical traders watching $106 and $120 as major breakout levels.

WTI is challenging a key resistance band as falling US crude inventories and overseas supply disruptions keep dip buyers active. Natural gas remains under pressure as mild weather forecasts outweigh lean storage builds and firm LNG feedgas demand.

Oil prices remained under pressure as progress in Iran Oman talks reduced some supply risk premium while rising US crude inventories added to bearish sentiment. Technical traders are watching whether WTI can defend the $74–$75 zone and whether Brent can hold above $80–$81.