EIA Reports: US Crude Stocks Up, Gasoline and Distillate Stocks Down

• Crude inventory build of 6.2 million barrels was over 16 times larger than the expected 383,000-barrel increase, with Cushing hub stocks rising 944,000 barrels
• Gasoline stocks fell 5.4 million barrels versus expectations of a 1.6 million-barrel draw, suggesting stronger demand or reduced production
• Refinery utilization increased to 91.4% (up 0.6 percentage points) while net crude imports fell by 692,000 barrels per day

EIA Inventory Report Summary

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported mixed petroleum inventory data for the week ended March 13, 2026, showing significant divergence from market expectations.

Key Figures:

• Crude inventories increased by 6.2 million barrels to 449.3 million barrels, vastly exceeding the Reuters poll forecast of a 383,000-barrel rise
• Cushing, Oklahoma stocks rose by 944,000 barrels at the key delivery hub
• Gasoline inventories fell by 5.4 million barrels to 244 million barrels, more than triple the expected 1.6 million-barrel draw
• Distillate stocks (including diesel and heating oil) declined by 2.5 million barrels to 116.9 million barrels, versus expectations for a 1.5 million-barrel drop

Operational Data:

• Refinery crude runs increased by 63,000 barrels per day
• Utilization rates rose 0.6 percentage points to 91.4%
• Net U.S. crude imports fell by 692,000 barrels per day

Market Implications:

The substantial crude inventory build—more than 16 times larger than anticipated—suggests weaker demand or increased supply, potentially pressuring oil prices downward. Conversely, the larger-than-expected draws in gasoline and distillate inventories indicate robust refined product demand, which could support crack spreads and refining margins.

The increase in refinery utilization to 91.4% demonstrates refiners ramping up operations, likely responding to strong seasonal demand. The significant drop in crude imports may reflect changing trade dynamics or domestic production adjustments.

This data comes amid broader energy market volatility, with related Reuters articles referencing geopolitical tensions and potential long-term shifts in energy policy.