US oil inventories fell last week, while gasoline and distillate inventories rose, offering mixed signals about energy demand in the world's largest economy.
The American Petroleum Institute reported Tuesday that commercial crude oil inventories fell by 2.4 million barrels during the week ending August 15, compared to expectations for a decline of only 1.2 million barrels.
The report stated that gasoline inventories rose by 1 million barrels during the same period, and distillate inventories—which include diesel and heating oil—increased by 500,000 barrels.
Investors are awaiting official data from the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday, amid expectations for a 1.5 million-barrel decline in crude oil inventories.
Brent crude futures for October delivery settled down 1.22%, or 81 cents, at $65.79 a barrel.
US Nymex crude futures for September delivery fell 1.69%, or $1.07, to $62.35 a barrel
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