* Crude runs at 8.74 million b/d, counter to analysts expectations * USGC imports up despite LOOP closure as Saudi, Mexico flows rebound * Cushing stocks up, weighing on prompt NYMEX WTI, easing strong backwardation * US Atlantic Coast gasoline stocks recover on higher imports * US distillate demand continues over 4 million b/d for third-straight week Crude runs at US Gulf Coast refineries hit a record high last week, up 177,000 b/d to 8.74 million b/d, weekly Energy Information Administration oil data showed Wednesday. This helped to push USGC refinery utilization — which includes feedstocks other than crude — up 2.5 percentage points to a record 96.9% of capacity. Refinery utilization had last been higher at 96.5% of capacity in December 2012, when USGC operable capacity was just 3.72 million b/d. EIA has pegged USGC operable capacity at 3.81 million b/d since May. The increased crude runs helped […]