U.S. crude oil production rose to an estimated record-high of 13 million barrels per day last week as the nation’s energy growth crossed a new threshold, according to a weekly report from the U.S. Energy Department.

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The increase production comes as the nation’s stockpiles of commercial crude oil fell by 2.5 million barrels last week, but those volumes were more than offset by large spikes in gasoline and other fuel supplies.

The United States’ total petroleum inventories rose by 14.5 million barrels last week as gasoline stocks jumped by 6.7 million barrels and distillate fuel oil supplies – used to make diesel and heating oils – spiked by 8.2 million barrels, according to the inventories report. [read more]