Feb 1 (Reuters) - Oil prices rose on Wednesday as signs of slowing inflation in the United States eased fears that the world's largest oil user may face a recession because of further interest rate hikes and a weaker dollar supported some buying interest.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 42 cents, or 0.5%, to $79.29 a barrel.
Tamer rate hike expectations helped lower the dollar index , which supported oil prices as a weaker greenback makes the commodity cheaper for buyers holding other currencies.
Upgraded global growth forecasts by the IMF and the expectation of strong pent-up demand from China amid higher mobility are also underpinning oil prices, Sachdeva added.
Distillate stocks, which include diesel and heating oil, rose by about 1.5 million barrels, contrary to analysts' expectations of a 1.3 million barrel drop.