West Texas oil prices climbed about 2.4% on Wednesday on a bigger-than-expected weekly drop in U.S. crude stockpiles and as a weaker U.S. dollar overshadowed signs of slower economic growth in China. On Tuesday, Brent closed at its lowest since June 14 and WTI at its lowest since June 21. A weaker U.S. dollar also helped support oil prices after it fell to a 17-week low against a basket of other major currencies. A weaker dollar can boost demand for oil by making greenback-denominated commodities like oil cheaper for holders of other currencies. Also supporting crude prices was rising geopolitical risk, said George Khoury, global head of education and research at CFI, adding that tensions in the Middle East and Europe could continue to fuel risks.

---

Persons: Brent, WTI, George Khoury, Rystad, Svetlana Tretyakova Organizations: Huntington Beach , California ., U.S, West Texas, Energy Information Administration, American Petroleum Institute, CFI Locations: Huntington Beach , California, Huntington Beach , California . West Texas, China, Brent, United States, East, Europe, Liberia, Red Sea, Iran, Yemen, Beijing