Mubasher: US crude oil stockpiles expanded more than forecasts during the week ended 9 March, data by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed on Wednesday.

Inventories grew by 5 million barrels to 430.9 million barrels, standing in the lower half of the average range for this time of the year.

Economists had expected a slighter increase of 2.2 million barrels last week.

Meanwhile, total motor gasoline inventories rose by 6.3 million barrels, according to EIA’s data.

By 02:41 pm GMT, Brent crude futures rose by 0.12% to $64.72 per barrel (pb), while Nymex crude inched down by 0.02% to $60.70 pb.