EIA Data Show Large U.S. Crude Build as Prices Climb

U.S. crude stockpiles jumped by 16 million barrels in the week ended February 20, according to the EIA, confirming a sharp inventory build that keeps commercial holdings at 435.8 million barrels, still about 3% below the seasonal five-year average. The data, which came after a smaller but sizable increase flagged by API, adds pressure to supply-side sentiment even as Oil – US Crude and Oil – Brent Crude prices have trended higher on expectations of resilient demand and ongoing OPEC+ discipline.

Over the past month, U.S. crude futures have risen about 9.7%, while Brent has gained roughly 10.1%, signaling that traders have so far looked through stock builds in favor of tighter forward balances, with both contracts flashing a near-term Buy and Buy bias on 1-day signals. In contrast, Natural Gas has dropped about 43% over the month amid persistent oversupply and mild weather, aligning with a 1-day technical stance of Strong Sell. Investors can explore more updates, prices, and analysis across global markets at Commodities.