API posts declines in crude and gasoline supplies

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch)
The American Petroleum Institute reported late Tuesday that crude-oil supplies fell by 985,000 barrels for the week ended April 20
Gasoline and distillate inventories each fell by 3.6 million barrels, the trade group said
The API data come ahead of the more closely-watched U.S. Energy Information Administration report due Wednesday morning
Analysts polled by Platts expect data to show a rise of 1.5 million barrels in crude stockpiles and an increase of 80,000 barrels in distillate supplies
Gasoline stocks are expected to be down by 500,000 barrels