Gasoline Futures Rise Toward 6-Week High
US gasoline futures rose above $2.24 per gallon, the highest since June 20, after EIA data showed a sharper-than-expected drop in inventories. Gasoline stocks fell by 2.725 million barrels in the week ending July 25, the biggest weekly draw since late April and well above forecasts for a 0.5 million barrel decline. The surprise drawdown followed a build the previous week, signaling tighter near-term supply. Prices also gained support from geopolitical risks after President Trump shortened the deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, stoking fears of energy supply disruptions. Still, the EIA projects softer gasoline demand this year, while refiners are prioritizing diesel and jet fuel output, contributing to a persistent gasoline glut.