Recent weekly EIA data show U.S. commercial crude inventories at 424.1 million barrels for the week ending October 2, reflecting a 3.2 million-barrel draw amid refinery crude runs near 16.5 million barrels per day and 92.7% utilization. Ongoing SPR releases, with stocks at 283 million barrels after successive weekly declines, have added to total supply pressure. API estimates point to another sizable draw for the October 9 week. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and steady U.S. output near 14 million barrels per day continue to shape balances, while the next EIA Petroleum Status Report, due October 15, and subsequent releases before month-end will provide key updates on whether draws persist into late October.