US crude oil inventories declined by 4.40 million barrels in the week ending April 17th, 2026, significantly exceeding market expectations for a 1.0 million barrel draw and offsetting the prior week’s 6.10 million barrel build, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Gasoline inventories increased by 0.63 million barrels, following a 3.97 million barrel drop in the previous week. Distillate stockpiles, which include diesel and heating oil, fell by 3.40 million barrels, deepening the 0.60 million barrel decline recorded in the prior period.