Oil falls as U.S. crude inventories reportedly rise, traders weigh Saudi pipeline closure

Primary Journalistic Dispatch & Direct Reporting

Oil retreated Wednesday after a report said U.S. energy inventories rose last week, with investors assessing the latest developments in Middle East conflict and associated supply risks.

Futures for international benchmark Brent crude for November delivery dropped 1.02% to $107.64 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures for October declined 1.29% to $104.46 per barrel.

In-Depth Developments & Factual Context

U.S. crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories all rose last week, Reuters reported, citing sources for data from the American Petroleum Institute. Crude inventories rose by 7.1 million barrels in the week ended Sept. 11, compared with analysts' expectations for a draw of about 1.6 million barrels, Reuters reported.

Meanwhile, traders remain glued to developments in the Middle East, amid concerns over supply disruptions following an attack by Iran on Saudi Arabia's crucial East-West pipeline that led to its closure over the weekend.

Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday that the closure was a brief interruption that will last days. Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, said in a note on Monday that "judging from the on-line pictures , it will take months to repair."

The financial cost of the Middle East conflict is also being closely watched. According to a report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the U.S. war with Iran has cost the Pentagon an estimated $38.1 billion through Aug. 1 and could lead to another $2 billion to $3 billion being spent for each additional month of fighting.

Forward Outlook & Market Perspective

"Looking ahead, crude is likely to remain closely tied to security conditions along Gulf export routes and the pace of repairs to Saudi infrastructure," said Joseph Dahrieh, managing director at brokerage Tickmill.

"Any further disruption to maritime flows or a prolonged pipeline outage could tighten the physical market and extend the advance in prices," Dahrieh added.

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