U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 3.169 million barrels in the week ending July 18, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on Wednesday, broadly confirming the earlier API estimate but with a steeper decline. Analysts had expected a more modest draw, reinforcing signs of strong refining activity and steady demand amid peak summer travel. At 10:00 a.m. Central Time, Brent crude was trading at $68.22, down $0.37 (-0.54%) on the day, while WTI was down $0.36 (-0.55%) at $64.95 per barrel.