Rising U.S. Gasoline Demand Stabilizes Oil Prices Despite Fed Rate Worries

Oil prices remained steady on Friday as rising U.S. gasoline demand balanced concerns over interest rate uncertainties following the Federal Reserve’s recent comments. Brent crude futures were slightly up at $81.37 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures edged down to $76.85. Both benchmarks had hit multi-month lows on Thursday. Investors are evaluating the Fed’s stance on potential future rate hikes amid persistent inflation.