The United States' crude oil and gasoline supplies grew last week, according to government data released Wednesday, AP reported. Crude supplies increased by 2.3 million barrels, or 0.7 percent, to 354 million barrels, which is 1.9 percent below year-ago levels, the Energy Department's Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report. Analysts expected a drop of 2.3 million barrels for the week ended July 22, according to Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos. Gasoline supplies rose by 1 million barrels, or 0.5 percent, to 213.5 million barrels. That was more than analysts expected and 3.9 percent below year-ago levels. -- SPA
