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Oil rates up on strong United States need, Fed signals in focus

Oil rates rose on Wednesday on expectations of strong global demand, including in the world's leading customer the United States, and as even somewhat sticky U.S. inflation did not dent expectations the Fed might start cutting rates quickly.

Brent futures for May shipment were up 36 cents, or 0.44%, at $82.28 a barrel by 0020 GMT. The April U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) unrefined agreement increased 38 cents, or 0.49%, to $77.94.

The Company of the Petroleum Exporting Countries stuck to its projection of a strong oil need development internationally of 2.25 million barrels each day (bpd) in 2024 and by 1.85 million bpd in 2025 and raised its financial growth forecast for this year.

In another indication of healthy need, U.S. crude oil inventories and fuel stocks fell last week, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures.

Experts still believe the Federal Reserve may start cutting rates in summer season in spite of U.S. customer rates rose sturdily in February on greater costs for gas and shelter, suggesting some stickiness in inflation. Lower rates support oil demand.

Stronger-than-expected US core CPI information did not set off as huge a reassessment in rate expectations as they did last month in monetary markets, and we still forecast the Fed to begin relieving policy around June, Capital Economics said in a note.

Oil rates were under pressure in the previous session after the U.S. Energy Details Administration raised domestic oil output projection however declines were limited on expectations that OPEC+ output cuts will still slow international oil growth and on the current wave of drone attacks on Russia, including refineries.