Crude oil prices finished lower on Wednesday as U.S. crude stocks rose more than analysts anticipated over the past week. Gasoline stocks were also on the up side.
Losses were slowed somewhat by the nagging worries about the growing war between Ukraine and major oil producer Russia.
West Texas Intermediate crude’s December contract, the U.S. benchmark, finished down 52 cents or 0.75% at $68.87 but its more active contract for January closed down 49 cents or 0.71% at $68.75 a barrel on the New York Stock Exchange.
Global standard Brent crude futures for January closed down 50 cents or 0.68% at $72.81 a barrel.
Natural gas finished up 0.20 at $3.19 – change 6.50%.
An impressive day of gains for Oklahoma energy stocks as at least four firms saw 4% increases and one, Gulfport Energy rose 5%.
