U.S. crude oil stocks rise in week

WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- U.S. crude oil inventories grew by 3 million barrels in the week ending July 11, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said Wednesday.

Crude inventories, with total supplies of 296.9 million barrels, remain near the lower boundary of the average range for this time of year, the government said.

Gasoline inventories also increased, up 2.4 million barrels to 214.2 million barrels. Gas stockpiles remain in the upper half of the average range, the report said.

Both finished gasoline inventories and gasoline blending components inventories increased during the week. Supplies of distillate fuels, which includes heating oil, increased by 3.2 million barrels to a current supply of 125.7 million barrels.