US Private Inventory Data (bbls): Crude +0.6mln (prev. +13.4mln), Distillate -1.6mln (prev. -2.0mln), Gasoline -0.3mln (prev. +3.3mln), Cushing -2.4mln (prev. +1.4mln)

The latest U.S.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 18 Feb 2026, 21:59 UTCOn the live feed at 21:39 UTC — 1 more headline followed before this page went public

Newsquawk headlinesUTC

22:12

US Treasury Department issues general license authorising transactions related to oil and gas sector operations in Venezuela

21:53

Rio Tinto (RIO AT) takes majority control of Canada's Nemaska Lithium, boosting stake to 54% as part of expansion in Quebec lithium projects

21:39

US Private Inventory Data (bbls): Crude +0.6mln (prev. +13.4mln), Distillate -1.6mln (prev. -2.0mln), Gasoline -0.3mln (prev. +3.3mln), Cushing -2.4mln (prev. +1.4mln)

21:33

North Korea's Kim Yo Jong says military will take measures to strengthen its vigilance on border with South Korea; she appreciates South Korean Unification Minister's official recognition of South Korea's drone provocation

21:30

CF Industries Holdings Inc. (CF) Q4 2025 (USD): EPS 2.59 (exp. 2.43), Revenue 1.87bln (exp. 1.78bln)

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Context

private inventory data shows a sharp decline in crude inventories, which is a notable shift from the previous large build. This tightening in crude supplies, alongside reductions in both gasoline and distillate stocks, could signal stronger demand or supply-side constraints, impacting oil prices and giving a bullish signal for the market going forward.

Energy · last 90 days

Recent headlines that moved markets

ENERGY/27 Aug · 17:46

The Trump administration has repeatedly told mediators it has no interest in going back to the terms of the MoU it reached with Iran in June, reports WSJ citing sources

Brent crude, after we published+1.4%

Brent (X6) futures rose shortly after the headline, in turn weighing on the bond complex.

ENERGY/25 Aug · 19:26

A ceasefire between the US and Iran has been agreed upon, it includes free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and will be announced in the coming days, reports Ria citing Pakistani and Iranian sources

−2.4%Brent crude

ENERGY/2 Sep · 11:13

Saudi Foreign Ministry says it has urged all parties to remain calm, halt escalations and respect international law and return to negotiations

−0.6%WTI crude

ENERGY/31 Aug · 14:29

US Treasury Secretary Bessent says oil prices will come down, CNBC Interview; says Trump has been saying Iran is not ready to make a deal

−0.6%Brent prices

ENERGY/25 Aug · 09:36

US is reportedly mulling returning diplomats to Middle Eastern embassies as soon as this week, NYT reports; "suggesting that the Trump administration does not anticipate a return to all-out hostilities"

−0.5%Brent crude

ENERGY/25 Aug · 08:24

Pakistani Army Chief Munir conveyed an offer to Iran, from the US, to halt the siege and lift sanctions under the MOU, in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz and stopping proxy attacks, Al Arabiya/Al Hadath sources report

−0.5%Brent crude

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