Image credit: Global Risk Management

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The weekly oil inventory report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed draws in crude, gasoline and distillates stocks. Crude oil stocks fell by 1 mio. Barrels, gasoline and distillates by 3 mio. Barrels respectively. Oil market reaction came immediately with Brent oil price increasing above $73. The increase continued to current level close to $74.

Also adding to the uptrend was comments from one of the world's largest oil producers, Saudi Arabia, stating that the country would be happy for oil prices in $80-100 level. This increases expectations of an extension of the current oil production cut deal beyond 2018.

In Nigeria, one of the largest oil producers in Africa, protests have sparked fears of increased unrest in the country.

Turning to economic data front, today sees UK retail sales data, EU Finance Ministers Meeting and Philly Fed Manufacturing Index for April.