U.S. Crude Inventories Drop 7.2 Million Barrels, Triple Expectations

U.S. crude stockpiles fell 7.2 million barrels to 404.5 million in the week ending July 24, 2026, the EIA reported July 29 — far beyond the smaller decline Reuters-flagged analysts expected. The draw reverses the prior week's 2-million-barrel build. Whether it reflects genuine supply tightening or logistical timing amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions remains unclear.