HOUSTON, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. crude oil inventories posted a drawdown of 1.545 million barrels in the week ending Friday, according to statistics released on Tuesday.
The statistical report released by the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed a buildup of 8.79 million barrels in the oil inventories for the previous week.
Last week was the first week that saw a draw after six weeks of straight builds as reported by the API.
Oil prices plummeted on Tuesday, as U.S. President Donald Trump reaffirmed Saudi Arabia as "a great ally" and signaled it won't punish Saudi crown prince over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing.
The West Texas Intermediate for January delivery slumped 3.33 U.S. dollars to settle at 53.43 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for January delivery plunged 4.26 dollars to close at 62.53 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
