U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels last week, which was more than expected, and gasoline stocks fell less than anticipated.

Crude oil stocks, not including the SPR, stood at 437.0 million barrels on March 14, according to the EIA's latest weekly petroleum status report.

U.S. crude stocks rose more than expected even as gasoline and distillate inventories fell last week in a sign of sustained fuel demand, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. Crude inventories rose by 1.