Petroleum futures are slightly down, with unexpected increase in US gasoline stocks.

November 28, 2024, 12:14 PM GMT+9.

Crude oil futures prices in Asia on the 28th are slightly lower. Concerns have arisen due to the unexpected increase in U.S. gasoline inventories.
At 0220 GMT (11:20 AM Japan time), North Sea Brent futures are down 0.04 dollars (0.1%) at $72.79 per barrel. U.S. WTI futures are down 0.01 dollar at $68.71.
The U.S. is expected to see thin trading due to the holiday.
According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA) announced on the 27th, gasoline inventories for the week ending on the 22nd increased by 330 thousand barrels, contrary to expectations of a slight decrease as the Thanksgiving travel season approaches.

Although production cuts by OPEC and non-member oil-producing countries, known as OPEC Plus, have limited the decline, the slowing growth in fuel demand in major consuming countries such as the U.S. and China has put pressure on crude oil prices this year.
According to two sources revealed on the 26th, OPEC Plus is discussing further postponing the reduction in voluntary production planned to start in January next year by participating countries ahead of the ministerial meeting scheduled to open on December 1st.