API Crude Oil Stock Change
What is API Crude Oil Stock?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) Weekly Statistical Bulletin is a private industry report released every Tuesday evening that estimates changes in US crude oil, gasoline, and distillate inventories. It is produced by the oil industry's main trade group and serves as a preview of the official EIA inventory data released the following Wednesday morning.
Why does it matter for investors?
The API report is the earliest available inventory estimate each week, typically released at 4:30 PM ET on Tuesdays. It often moves crude oil futures in after-hours trading. While less authoritative than the EIA data, large API surprises — especially if confirmed by the EIA the next morning — can significantly move oil prices and energy stocks. The API and EIA figures frequently diverge, which creates a second trading opportunity at the Wednesday EIA release.
What to watch for
- ›Crude oil stockpile change vs. analyst estimates
- ›Gasoline and distillate inventory changes
- ›Directional alignment with the subsequent EIA release
- ›Cushing, Oklahoma crude inventory level
When is the API oil inventory report released?
The API Weekly Statistical Bulletin is released every Tuesday at approximately 4:30 PM ET. It is a private report and not always released if Monday was a federal holiday.
Market Reaction
QQQ & SPY price change ±5 trading days around this event
Source: Yahoo Finance