Crude Oil is trading slightly higher today in the Asian session above the $81 level.
Oil prices remained relatively steady following a less-than-expected increase in US crude stockpiles.
However, indications suggesting that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is unlikely to adjust its output policy at its upcoming technical meeting next week exerted downward pressure on prices.
Despite reaching their highest levels since October last week, crude prices have retreated slightly, remaining approximately three percent above the average closing price in the first week of March.
