US API crude stocks fall 300k barrels last week

The modest drawdown, following a much larger prior decline, suggests U.S. crude supply is tightening less sharply than recent momentum implied, though the gasoline and distillate divergence points to mixed seasonal demand signals. Cushing's decrease keeps storage hub levels in focus for pipeline and pricing dynamics. The key question is whether the slowdown in crude draws marks a trend shift or a one-week blip, with product inventory builds potentially capping refining margins.