The Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides weekly information on petroleum inventories in the U.S., whether produced here or abroad. The level of inventories helps determine prices for petroleum products. Why Investors Care
| Released on 2/27/08 For wk 2/22 2008 | ||||||||
| ||||||||
Highlights
Crude oil stocks rose 3.2 million barrels in the Feb. 22 week with gasoline stocks also higher, up 2.3 million to 232.6 million. These levels are certain to pressure oil prices. Stocks of distillates did fall, down 2.5 million to 120.0 million, but the focus of the energy markets is turning away from distillates and toward gasoline as the driving season approaches.
![[Chart]](chart.gif)
|
As is evident from the chart, crude oil stocks can fluctuate dramatically over the year. When oil prices nearly reached $50 per barrel in August 2004, financial market players began to monitor crude oil inventories. It is not surprising to see sharp price hikes in crude oil when inventories are falling. Conversely, one would expect price declines when inventories are rising. |
powered by
![[Econoday]](../../../../../../../../../images/logo.gif){kind=logo}