WTI crude oil futures fell sharply as signs of easing supply constraints and a surprise increase in U.S. commercial crude inventories prompted a sell-off. Reports indicate that seaborne crude exports from the Middle East are recovering to near-normal levels, alleviating previous concerns about supply disruptions. [10] This was compounded by data from the Energy Information Administration showing an unexpected build in U.S. crude stocks, which, coupled with high domestic production, signaled robust supply and triggered profit-taking after a recent rally. [3, 10]