March 8, 2024 [Barchart]- The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Weekly Petroleum Status Report, released on February 28, 2024, shows positive signs for domestic refinery activity, but also highlights a decrease in crude oil imports.

Key Findings:

Refinery Activity Up:

U.S. crude oil refinery inputs averaged 14.7 million barrels per day (mbpd) during the week ending February 23, 2024, an increase of 100,000 bpd from the previous week. Refineries operated at 81.5% of their capacity.

Crude Oil Imports Down:

Crude oil imports averaged 6.4 million bpd last week, a decrease of 269,000 bpd from the prior week. However, over the past four weeks, crude oil imports averaged 6.6 million bpd, slightly exceeding the same period last year.

Gasoline Production Up:

Production of both gasoline and distillate fuel increased last week, averaging 9.4 million bpd and 4.3 million bpd, respectively.

Inventories:

U.S. commercial crude oil inventories increased by 4.2 million barrels, but remain slightly below the five-year average for this time of year. Conversely, gasoline and distillate fuel inventories decreased and are currently below the five-year average.

Prices:

The price of West Texas Intermediate crude oil decreased by $2.05 per barrel compared to the previous week, while the national average retail price for gasoline and diesel fuel both declined slightly.

Overall, the EIA report indicates increased domestic refining activity alongside a decrease in crude oil imports. While gasoline and distillate fuel production rose, their inventories remain below the five-year average.

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