US crude oil inventories slip in latest week

US crude oil inventories slipped during the latest reference week, amid a moderate decline for imports.

Stockpiles of commercial crude oil in the States dropped by 1.9m barrels over the seven days ending on 23 September, according to the Energy Information Administration, the US Department of Energy's statistical arm.

Gasoline inventories rose by 2.0m barrels while those for distillates decreased by 1.9m barrels.

Imports of oil decreased by 474,000 per day over the past week.

Refineries operated at 90.1% of their operating capacity.

As of 1552 BST front month Brent crude oil futures were edging higher by 0.22% to $46.07 per barrel on the ICE.