Oil prices retreated in Asian trading on Thursday after U.S. government data revealed a far larger crude inventory build than markets anticipated. Traders also weighed renewed diplomatic movement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which could eventually reshape global supply flows.
Brent crude for January delivery dipped 0.25% to $62.84 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate slid 0.4% to $58.40. The pullback followed a session of more than 1% gains driven by stronger expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month—a move that typically supports commodity demand.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 2.8 million-barrel jump in crude inventories for the week ending Nov. 21, sharply higher than consensus forecasts of just 55,000 barrels. Gasoline stocks climbed 2.5 million barrels, and distillate supplies rose 1.1 million barrels, underscoring uneven demand across the fuel sector.
ING analysts noted that exports fell by 560,000 barrels per day, while imports increased by 486,000 barrels per day, contributing to the unexpected stock surge. The report reinforced concerns that global supply growth may exceed demand through 2026, adding pressure to an already cautious market.
Mixed Fuel Data Signals Soft Demand
The broader fuel picture remains ambiguous as rising inventories coincide with muted seasonal demand. The increase in motor gasoline stocks suggests slower consumption heading into winter, while the uptick in distillates reflects ongoing volatility in freight and industrial activity.
Key takeaways from the supply data include:
- U.S. crude stocks rose more than 50 times market expectations.
- Fuel inventories expanded across all major categories.
- Trade flows—lower exports and higher imports—were the primary drivers of the build.
- Analysts warn that global production increases may challenge prices in early 2026.
With stockpiles rising and demand indicators softening, traders are closely watching central bank policy shifts and geopolitical developments for direction.
Peace Efforts Raise Supply Concerns
A new U.S.-supported peace initiative between Russia and Ukraine added another layer of uncertainty. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signaled readiness to advance a Washington-backed framework, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Moscow next week to pursue negotiations.
Any breakthrough that leads to easing Western restrictions on Russian energy could introduce additional barrels into an already well-supplied market. ING analysts noted that a ceasefire or sanctions relief “would significantly reduce supply risk,” though they expect trading to remain subdued during the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday.
OPEC+ is scheduled to meet this weekend, with analysts widely anticipating that the group will maintain output levels. With fundamentals little changed from prior meetings, the alliance faces continued pressure to stabilize a market shaped by rising inventories, diplomatic shifts, and uncertain demand trends.
