Global gasoline stocks built last week by 1.6 million barrels, led by strong build in the United States, but tracking the five-year average, according to Morgan Stanley. US gasoline stocks rose by 3.1 million barrels last week, according to Energy Information Administration data, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 2.5 million-barrel gain.
Strong export demand to West Africa and the Middle East continue to give European gasoline prices a floor. The river Rhine in south Germany remained closed to shipping on Wednesday after a sharp rise in water levels, a German inland navigation authority official said.
Essar UK has closed its 200,000 barrel per day (bpd) Stanlow, Britain oil refinery for planned maintenance works until mid-March, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. GASOLINE No barges of eurobob gasoline traded during the afternoon trading window. Bids and offers were seen at $663-$665 a tonne fob ARA.