Crude Oil is trading today in the European session above the $81 level.
Oil prices edged higher in European trading on Wednesday, spurred by industry reports (API) revealing a larger-than-anticipated decline in U.S. inventories. This positive movement was somewhat offset by a rise in distillate stockpiles.
Earlier in the week, crude prices had been on a downward trend due to speculation about a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, prompting traders to lower the oil risk premium. However, recent updates indicated that a ceasefire agreement was not imminent.