05:06 AM EDT, 05/14/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Crude oil prices slipped on Wednesday after posting gains in the previous session as expectations of a large increase in U.S. crude oil inventories dampened optimism about the U.S.-China trade dispute.

Brent crude at last look lost 0.5% to US$66.28/barrel and West Texas Intermediate crude fell 0.5% to US$63.34/b.

Crude stocks jumped 4.3 million barrels in the week ended May 9, Reuters said in a Wednesday report, citing market sources referring to American Petroleum Institute figures. The U.S. Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release official data later on Wednesday.

"This sharp contrast to last week's substantial draw signals that the demand side is still grappling with significant challenges, leaving market watchers on edge and wondering where the next twist will come from," Reuters quoted Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, as saying.

The market continues to monitor demand signals, with Rystad Energy analysts cautioning against lingering tariff impacts despite the agreement between the U.S. and China, the report said.