US crude oil inventories increased, and Chinese economic data weakened. Also, the US made progress on aid bills to Israel and Ukraine, causing international crude oil prices to fall on Apil 17.

According to US government data, US crude oil inventories rose by 2.7 million barrels last week to 460 million barrels.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for May delivery decreased by US$2.67 (3.1%), reaching US$82.69/barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for June delivery fell by US$2.73, settling at US$27.29/barrel.