Oil prices jump over tight global supply

By Zeynep Beyza Kilic

ANKARA (AA) – Oil prices increased on Thursday as data showed a rise of 2 million barrels in US crude oil inventories for the week ending June 10.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $118.89 per barrel at 0600GMT, a 0.32% jump from the previous session’s close of $118.51.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was at $115.86 per barrel for a 0.48% gain after ending the previous session at $115.31.

The rise in oil prices is driven by tight global supply amid a surge in demand for fuel, especially in the US as it enters its peak travel months.

Demand in China is also expected to pick up as it eases COVID-19 restrictions.

US commercial crude oil inventories reached 418.7 million barrels, according to the Energy Information Administration’s Wednesday data.

Inventories increased by 2 million barrels, while the market expectation was a drop of 1.2 million barrels.