Clean Energy (CLNE)

[pack10]

Another related article concerning the direction of oil.

Saudi Arabia favours oil of $80, even $100/bbl -sources

* OPEC, partners unlikely to change deal at June meeting -sources

* Supply risks in Middle East, Venezuela also buoy crude (Updates with U.S. oil stockpile data, changes dateline, previous LONDON)

NEW YORK, April 18 (Reuters) - Oil futures jumped more than 2 percent on Wednesday on a decline in U.S. crude inventories and after sources signalled top exporter Saudi Arabia wants to see the crude price closer to $100 a barrel.

OPEC's new price hawk Saudi Arabia would be happy for crude to rise to $80 or even $100, three industry sources said, a sign Riyadh will seek no changes to a supply-cutting deal even though the agreement's original target is within sight.

Brent crude futures were up $1.54 at $73.12 by 11:14 a.m. EDT [1514 GMT], while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained $1.63 to $68.15, having hit $68.45 earlier in the session, their highest since late 2014.

Prices were supported as U.S. oil stockpiles fell across the board last week with gasoline and distillates drawing down more than expected on stronger demand, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Crude inventories dropped by 1.1 million barrels as a result of a decline of 1.3 million barrels per day in net crude imports.