Oil prices saw little change and remained steady on Wednesday as coronavirus fears continue to constrain demand despite expectations of an increase in U.S. crude oil stocks.
International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $59.38 per barrel at 0624 GMT for a 0.05% increase after closing Wednesday at $59.35 a barrel.
American benchmark West Texas Intermediate was at $53.82 a barrel at the same time for a 0.09% rise after ending the previous session at $53.77 per barrel.
Crude oil inventories in the U.S. are estimated to have increased by 4.2 million barrels for the week ending Feb. 14, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, as the death toll in China from the coronavirus outbreak continues to increase, global oil demand and prices are kept under pressure.
China's National Health Commission said Thursday death toll in the country from COVID-19 has increased to 2,120, while there are 11,864 confirmed cases and more than 126,000 people are under medical care at the moment.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr