Crude Oil Prices Fall as US Crude Inventories Rise Despite Saudi Supply Concerns | September 16, 2026

Crude Oil prices fell on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after an unexpected increase in US crude inventories weighed on the market, as per news reports. Traders were also monitoring supply risks after Saudi Arabia suspended oil loadings at its Yanbu port following an attack on its East-West pipeline. 

Brent crude futures fell 93 cents, or 0.86%, to US$107.82 a barrel at 0028 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures declined 97 cents, or 0.92%, to US$104.86 a barrel. 

Both benchmarks had settled more than US$3 higher on Tuesday, reaching their strongest levels since May 19, as the disruption at Yanbu raised concerns over supplies to global markets. 

US Crude Inventories Rise Unexpectedly 

US crude inventories increased by 7.1 million barrels in the week ended September 11, 2026, according to data from the American Petroleum Institute cited by market sources. The increase was far above expectations for a draw of about 1.6 million barrels. 

Gasoline and distillate inventories also rose during the week. The unexpected stock builds added pressure to oil prices, although the increase in US supplies has not removed broader concerns about tightness in the global crude market. 

Saudi Pipeline Disruption Raises Supply Concerns 

Oil loadings at Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port were suspended after the country shut its East-West pipeline following an attack by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis. Saudi Arabia uses the pipeline to transport around 4 million barrels per day to the Red Sea, equivalent to about 4% of global supply. 

The US energy secretary said crude flows through the pipeline could resume within days.  

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Libya Reports Oil Field Disruptions 

In Libya, the National Oil Corporation said operations at three oil fields were suspended after members of the Petroleum Facilities Guard closed a valve on the Hamada-Zawiya crude export pipeline. 

The disruption has not significantly affected Libya’s overall production, which remains at around 1.4 million barrels per day, according to NOC Chairman Massoud Suleman. 

Conclusion 

Oil prices remain under pressure from rising US inventories, while disruptions in Saudi Arabia and Libya continue to keep supply risks in focus. Traders are watching developments on both fronts for signs of how crude availability could change. 

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