The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday that crude supplies declined by 9.9 million barrels for the week ended June 22—the largest weekly decline so far this year. Analysts surveyed by S&P Global Platts had forecast a fall of 2.3 million barrels, while the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday reported a drop of 9.2 million barrels. “Record crude exports and record refinery runs have combined to yield the biggest draw to crude stocks so far this year,” said Matt Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData. “Even crude production holding at a record level has been unable to offset strong domestic and international demand.” The EIA pegged last week’s total domestic crude output at 10.9 million barrels a day, unchanged from the previous week. Click Read More below for additional information.

Futures were little changed near $60 a barrel in London, up 2.6 percent for the week. The prince said Thursday that “of course” he wanted to prolong the curbs beyond the end of March 2018. OPEC is considering an exit strategy to avoid flooding the market once the agreement finally expires, people familiar with the talks said this week. Total SA’s Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pouyanne said the imbalance between crude supply and demand is finally dissipating. Brent has gained as speculation mounts the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will agree at its Nov. 30 meeting to extend cuts by its members and allied nations aimed at draining a global glut. Click Read More below for additional information.