US crude oil inventories likely extended their slide last week amid an uptick in refinery demand and strong export activity, an S&P Global Platts analysis showed Monday. Commercial crude stocks are expected to have fallen 3 million barrels to around 443.8 million barrels during the week ended December 20, according to analysts surveyed by Platts Monday. The draw would pare the nationwide supply overhang for a second week, leaving stocks around 2.4% above the five-year average of US Energy Information Administration data. The EIA inventory report is delayed until Friday due to the midweek Christmas holiday. Crude inventories typically decline this time of […]