According to our analysis crude oil moved 17 ticks on DOE Petroleum Status Report data on 25 February 2026.
Light sweet crude oil (17 ticks)
Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).
Weekly U.S. Petroleum Update: Inventories Surge as Refinery Activity Slows
The latest Weekly Petroleum Status data for the week ending February 20, 2026 shows a notable build in crude oil inventories, softer refinery activity, and mixed signals across fuel production and demand. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and what it may mean for the market.
Refinery Activity Slows
U.S. crude oil refinery inputs averaged 15.7 million barrels per day (bpd), down 416,000 bpd from the previous week. Refinery utilization stood at 88.6% of operable capacity, reflecting ongoing seasonal maintenance typical for this time of year.
Fuel production also edged lower:
Gasoline production averaged 9.2 million bpd
Distillate fuel production (diesel and heating oil) averaged 4.8 million bpd, down 136,000 bpd
Overall, while this week’s headline crude build is substantial, broader inventory levels and demand trends suggest a market that remains relatively balanced heading into the spring transition period.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Always conduct thorough research and consider seeking advice from a financial professional before making any investment decisions.
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