U.S. crude oil inventories plummeted by 3.06 million barrels last week, far exceeding market expectations of a 324,000-barrel decrease, signaling tighter U.S. oil supply and potentially upward pressure on crude prices. Total crude oil inventories stood at 412.5 million barrels, 3% below normal levels. Gasoline inventories fell by 3 million barrels, distillate fuel inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels, and total petroleum inventories decreased by 8.5 million barrels.