Crude Oil is trading today in the Asian session above the $81 level.
Oil prices inched higher in Asian trading on Wednesday, driven by industry data showing a larger-than-expected decrease in U.S. inventories.
However, this optimism was tempered by an increase in distillate stockpiles.
Earlier in the week, crude prices had been declining due to speculation about a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which led traders to reduce the risk premium on oil. Recent reports, however, indicated that a ceasefire agreement was not close to being finalised.