Asia stocks edge higher as tech meanders on Nvidia; Hong Kong hit by soft earnings
Investing.com-- Oil prices fell in Asian trading on Thursday after U.S. data showed a slightly sharper-than-expected drop in crude inventories, while investors weighed the impact of additional U.S. tariffs against India, which came into effect a day earlier.
As of 21:34 ET (01:34 GMT), Brent Oil Futures expiring in October fell 0.5% to $67.71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined 0.6% to $63.80 per barrel.
US crude stocks fall more than expected - EIA
U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 2.4 million barrels in the week to Aug. 22, a larger draw than the 1.9 million barrels forecast by analysts, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.
Gasoline inventories declined by 1.2 million barrels, and distillate stocks dropped by 1.8 million barrels, while implied gasoline demand rose to 9.24 million barrels per day from 8.84 million bpd a week earlier, pointing to solid seasonal consumption.
The figures indicated strong end-of-summer driving activity but also raised concerns that, once the seasonal peak passes, demand could weaken, leaving refiners with slimmer margins and the crude market vulnerable to softer consumption.
While tighter inventories would normally support prices, oil futures eased as investors weighed the risk that the end of the summer travel season could cap demand going forward, tempering the bullish impact of the stock draw.
Traders weigh impact of 50% U.S. tariffs on India
In a move tied to India’s aggression in buying Russian crude, an additional 25% U.S. tariff on Indian imports took effect on Wednesday, doubling the total duty to 50% starting August 27.
This step is part of broader pressure aimed at curbing India’s ties with Russia amid the Ukraine war.
Indian refiners briefly paused Russian oil purchases after secondary tariffs were imposed, but have since resumed buying, with the measures proving insufficient to curb flows.
Analysts believe the market will be cautiously watching Russian oil flows to India closely going forward to gauge the impact.
The conflict in Ukraine also remains one of the main drivers of market sentiment. U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to position himself as a mediator, but last week warned he would impose fresh sanctions on Moscow if no progress was made toward a peace deal within two weeks.