According to our analysis crude oil moved 51 ticks on DOE Petroleum Status Report (WPSR) data on 15 April 2026.
Light sweet crude oil (51 ticks)
Charts are exported from JForex (Dukascopy).
A Snapshot of the U.S. Oil Market: What the Latest Data Tells Us
The latest weekly petroleum data from the Energy Information Administration offers a revealing look into the current state of the U.S. oil market. From refinery activity to fuel prices, the numbers highlight a complex balance between supply, demand, and pricing pressures shaping the energy landscape in April 2026.
Refinery Activity Slows Slightly
U.S. refineries processed an average of 16.0 million barrels per day during the week ending April 10, marking a modest decline of 208,000 barrels per day compared to the previous week. Refinery utilization also dipped to 89.6% of capacity, signaling a slight slowdown in operations.
Despite this, gasoline production saw a small boost, reaching 9.8 million barrels per day, while distillate fuel production fell to 4.9 million barrels per day. This divergence suggests refiners may be adjusting output in response to shifting demand patterns.
Imports and Inventories: A Mixed Picture
Crude oil imports dropped sharply, falling by 1.0 million barrels per day to an average of 5.3 million barrels per day. Over a four-week period, imports averaged 6.1 million barrels per day, slightly below last year’s levels.
Inventory data tells another important story:
Crude oil inventories declined by 0.9 million barrels but remain about 1% above the five-year average
Gasoline inventories fell significantly by 6.3 million barrels
Distillate stocks dropped by 3.1 million barrels and sit 6% below the five-year average
Propane inventories increased and are a striking 68% above the seasonal norm
Overall, total commercial petroleum inventories decreased by 9.0 million barrels, indicating tightening supply conditions in certain segments.
Demand Trends Show Growth
Demand appears to be strengthening. Total petroleum products supplied averaged 20.6 million barrels per day over the past four weeks—an increase of 5.6% compared to last year.
Breaking it down:
Gasoline demand rose by 3.6%
Distillate demand increased by 2.2%
Jet fuel demand saw a slight decline of 0.2%
This suggests steady economic activity, with transportation fuels driving most of the growth.
Prices Surge Year Over Year
Energy prices remain a key concern. The benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil price reached $98.34 per barrel, a dramatic increase of $36.43 compared to a year ago.
Fuel prices reflect this upward pressure:
Gasoline (retail average): $4.123 per gallon
Diesel (retail average): $5.608 per gallon
While gasoline prices edged up slightly week-over-week, diesel prices saw a small decline—but both remain significantly higher than last year.
What It All Means
The current data paints a picture of an oil market under pressure:
Supply constraints are emerging in refined products like gasoline and distillates
Demand is rising, particularly for transportation fuels
Prices remain elevated, driven by both global crude costs and domestic supply dynamics
At the same time, high propane inventories and declining imports suggest uneven conditions across different energy segments.
Final Thoughts
As we move deeper into 2026, the oil market continues to navigate a delicate balance. Refinery adjustments, shifting demand, and global price pressures will remain critical factors to watch. For consumers, businesses, and policymakers alike, these trends underscore the importance of closely monitoring energy data in the months ahead.
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.
Source: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/supply/weekly/archive/2026/2026_04_15/pdf/highlights.pdf
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