term," Keenan said. OPEC production at 25-year highs had boosted stocks in the United States to their highest since 1999, but analysts predict that higher refinery activity during the summer driving season could mean looming declines in stockpiles, Reuters said. The latest data released on Wednesday showed crude oil stocks in the United States fell by 1.6 million barrels to 332.4 million barrels in the week ended May 20 -- against analysts' forecasts for a 1.2 million-barrel-build. U.S. gasoline supplies rose by 600,000 barrels to 215.4 million barrels, leaving them in the upper end of the average range for this time of the year. Many analysts say they should be adequate, though demand is expected to be very high. The AAA auto and travel group said in a survey last week a record number of drivers would take to the roads over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Demand is also still high in China, though the rate of growth has cooled from last year's levels. --More 0032 Local Time 2132 GMT
