Oil prices rise 10% as U.S. fuel demand begins recovery

Oil prices rose on Thursday as demand is starting to recover and the U.S. crude glut is not growing as fast as anticipated. 

West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 14.3%, or $2.15, at $17.21 per barrel. Brent crude was up 10.3%, or $2.33, at $24.87 per barrel.

Brent crude for July delivery grew 8.7%, or $2.10, at $26.33 per barrel.

U.S. crude stockpile increased 9 million barrels last week, bringing the total to 527.6 million barrels. This was significantly lower than the 10.6 million-barrel increase predicted by analysts.

U.S. gasoline inventories fell by 3.7 million barrels from last week’s record highs. A recovery in fuel demand provided a floor for refinery output.

President Donald Trump said that his administration will reveal a plan on providing aid to oil companies. 

Private storage in the United States is almost full while the Strategic Petroleum Reserve only holds 78 million barrels of storage left.