Oil Update: Prices rise on declining US Stocks, WTI [48.35 +46 cents]

Prices of oil carry forward their optimistic trend from last two days as Saudi stands on its firm resolve of decreasing its exports to the world in August. Furthermore the prices for oil gained optimism today (Wednesday) because of the declining stocks in US.

Brent crude futures had risen 36 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $50.56 a barrel by 0332 GMT, after rallying more than 3 percent on Tuesday.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 46 cents, or 1 percent, to $48.35 a barrel.

U.S. crude stocks fell sharply last week as refineries boosted output, while gasoline inventories increased and distillate stocks decreased, data from industry group the American Petroleum Institute showed on Tuesday.

Crude inventories declined by 10.2 million barrels in the week ending July 21 to 487 million, compared with expectations for a decrease of 2.6 million barrels.

Oil prices have come under pressure from an oversupply of crude around the globe, brought on in part by rising production from U.S. shale regions.

Indonesia's energy minister said on Tuesday that Southeast Asia's top crude producer would be open to rejoining the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) as long as it is not forced to curb its own crude oil production.