Commercial crude stocks are seen rising by 1.2 million barrels to 435 million barrels in the week ended March 7, according to the average estimate of 10 analysts and traders. Eight expect an increase and two predict a decline. Expectations range from a build of 3.7 million barrels to a withdrawal of 3 million barrels.

Oil futures gain as the EIA's report of a 1.4 million barrel increase in U.S. crude oil stocks is offset by a bigger-than-expected 5.7 million drawdown in gasoline inventories. U.S. inflation for February came in lower than expected,