By Stephanie Yang

U.S. crude-oil stocks are expected to show a decrease in data due Wednesday from the Department of Energy, according to a survey of analysts and traders by The Wall Street Journal.

Estimates from 11 analysts and traders surveyed showed U.S. oil inventories are projected to have decreased by 2.9 million barrels, on average, in the week ended Dec. 8. One analyst expects stockpiles to rise and 10 expect them to fall. Forecasts range from a decrease of 5.3 million barrels to an increase of 1.5 million barrels.

The closely watched survey from the Energy Information Administration is due at 10:30 a.m. ET Wednesday.

Gasoline stockpiles are expected to rise by 2.3 million barrels on average, according to analysts. Ten analysts expect them to rise and one expects them to fall. Estimates range from a decline of 2 million barrels to a rise of 4.7 million barrels.

Stocks of distillates, which include heating oil and diesel, are expected to increase by 1.2 million barrels. Eight analyst expects an increase and three analysts expect a decrease. Forecasts range from a decline of 1 million barrels to an increase of 4.5 million barrels.

Refinery use is seen on average as unchanged at 93.8% of capacity. Six analysts expect an increase and two expect a decrease. Two expect no change and one didn't report expectations. Forecasts range from a drop of 1 point to an increase of 0.5 point.

 
                                                               Crude          Gasoline          Distillates          Refinery Use

Again Capital -2.4 3.3 1.4 0.3

Commodity Research Group -5.3 2.4 -0.5 0.1

Confluence Investment Management -2 2 1 0

Energy Management Institute -2.5 1 -0.8 0.2

Excel Futures -2.8 4.7 1.9 0.5

IAF Advisors -5 2 1.5 N/A

Mizuho -2 2 1 -0.7

Price Futures Group -3 -2 -1 0

Ritterbusch and Associates -4 4.0 4.5 0.2

Schneider Electric -4.5 2 2.8 0.25

Tradition Energy 1.5 3.5 1.5 -1

AVERAGE -2.9 2.3 1.2 0.0

Write to Stephanie Yang at stephanie.yang@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

December 12, 2017 15:40 ET (20:40 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2017 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.