Crude oil prices fell despite EIA data showing a larger-than-expected outflow from US inventories last week. The report revealed a draw of 7.99 million barrels, a decline nearly three times larger than the expected 2.35-million-barrel reduction envisioned by analysts.

Selling pressure appeared to reflect an unexpected build in gasoline stocks. Inventories added 737k barrels, marking the fifth consecutive week of gains. Tellingly, measures of implied demand for crude, gasoline and distillates all declined in parallel, telegraphing a weaker read on end-product uptake.

Looking ahead, a relatively subdued offering on the economic data coupled with a limp lead from broader sentiment trends – bellwether S&P 500 index futures are trading conspicuously flat – speaks to a consolidative session. Traders may opt for a wait-and-see posture ahead of Friday’s much-anticipated US jobs report.

CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS

Crude oil prices have found their way back to trend-defining resistance in the $66-68 area. Negative RSI divergence hints that upside momentum is fading, which may set the stage for the formation of a bearish Double Top pattern.

The first step toward confirmation would be a daily close below initial support at 63.53. The next downside hurdle comes in at 60.61. Completing the Double Top calls for a breach of the pattern’s neckline at 57.25. That would imply a measured downside move below the $47 figure to follow.

Alternatively, establishing a foothold above the $68 handle would neutralize bearish technical cues and set the stage for the next leg higher. The 38.2% Fibonacci expansion at 70.37 approximates initial resistance, followed by the 50% threshold at 74.42.

Crude oil price chart created using TradingView