August 27, 2023 [BARRON’S] – The U.S. crude futures front-month contract for September delivery that expires this afternoon slips 0.3% to $80.45 a barrel, while the soon-to-be-front-month October contract slides below the $80 mark, down 0.4% at $79.83.

A retreat today would mark the second straight loss for WTI.

The price declines come as some analysts are expecting this week’s EIA inventory data, due tomorrow, will show a bearish, week-on-week increase in US crude-oil inventories as China slows down its imports just as US refineries move toward fall maintenance season and thus slow down their crude intake rate.

Brent crude also slips, down 0.5% at $84.04.

Pro Trial: Access 12,600 Tank Terminal and Production Facilities

12,600 tank storage and production facilities as per the date of this article. Click on the button and register to get instant access to actionable tank storage industry data