By Alison Sider 
 

U.S. crude-oil stocks are expected to show a decrease in data that is due Wednesday from the Department of Energy, according to a survey of analysts and traders by The Wall Street Journal.

Estimates from 10 analysts and traders showed U.S. oil inventories are projected to have decreased by 1.7 million barrels, on average, in the week ended April 20.

One analyst expects stockpiles to rise, and eight expect them to fall. Estimates range from a decrease of 3 million barrels to an increase of 1.5 million barrels.

The closely watched survey from the Energy Information Administration is due at 10:30 a.m. ET Wednesday.

Gasoline stockpiles are expected to fall by 600,000 barrels, on average. Four analysts expect them to rise, and six expect them to fall. Estimates range from a decrease of 2.5 million barrels to an increase of 1.6 million barrels.

Stocks of distillates, which include heating oil and diesel, are expected to fall by 900,000 barrels. Two analysts expect an increase, seven expect a decrease, and one expects no change. Forecasts range from a fall of 3 million barrels to an increase of 1.7 million barrels.

Refinery use is seen rising 0.1 percentage point, to 92.5% of capacity. Four analysts expect an increase, three expect a decrease, and three didn't report expectations. Forecasts range from a decrease of 0.5 percentage point to an increase of 0.8 percentage point.

The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, said late Tuesday that its own data for the week showed a 1.1-million-barrel increase in crude supplies, a 2.7-million-barrel fall in gasoline stocks and an 1.9-million-barrel decrease in distillate inventories, according to a market participant.

Crude Gasoline Distillates Refinery Use

   Citi Futures                 -2.5    -1         0            -0.5 
   Commodity Research Group     -2.3     1.6      -1.5           0.4 
   Energy Management Institute  -2.2    -1.2      -0.5          -0.4 
   Excel Futures                -2.9    -2.5      -1.6           0.8 
   Spartan Capital              -1.5     0.5      -2.8 
   ION Energy                   -2.5     0.5       1 
   Price Futures Group          -3      -2        -3            -0.5 
   Ritterbusch and Associates    1.5     1         1.7           0.3 
   Tradition Energy             -1      -2        -1.4           0.5 
   Tyche Capital Advisors       -1      -0.75     -0.8 
   AVERAGE                      -1.7    -0.6      -0.9           0.1 
 

Write to Alison Sider at alison.siderwsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 24, 2018 16:58 ET (20:58 GMT)