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Washington - US oil output sank last week by more than 100 000 barrels a day to its lowest level since September 2014 as producers cut back in the face of low prices.
But a rise in imported crude helped drive commercial stockpiles higher, the US Energy Department reported Wednesday, sending crude prices tumbling.
US domestic production dropped to 8.83 million barrels a day in the week to April 29, compared to 8.94 million a week earlier, department data showed.
That took the decline from the peak of about 9.6 million barrels a day in June last year to nearly 800 000 barrels, and the department has forecast more cuts this year.
US crude imports in the week rose by 110 000 barrels a day, showing the competing pressure from other producers, like Saudi Arabia, which have slashed prices to hold and build market share.
Imports over the past month are averaging 8.4 percent more than a year ago.
Meanwhile US commercial crude inventories piled higher, rising 2.8 million barrels, and gasoline inventories mounted as well, as local supplies continued to outpace demand growth.
After an early boost that pushed the US crude benchmark WTI up to $44.88 per barrel, the prices fell back to about $43.91 after the report.
