Oil prices declined on Thursday following reports of increased gasoline and distillate inventories in the United States, combined with Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce crude oil prices for Asian customers in July. These developments occurred against the backdrop of persistent global economic uncertainty, which continues to weigh on energy demand forecasts. Brent crude futures fell by $0.14, or 0.2%, to $64.72 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures in the US declined by $0.24, or 0.4%, to $62.61 per barrel as of 05:00 GMT.

Diamondback Energy $FANG is currently in advanced negotiations to acquire Double Eagle, a major energy producer based in West Texas, for over US $5 billion. This strategic move comes on the heels of the company’s recent acquisition of Endeavor Energy Resources for US $26 billion, a deal that helped forge an oil and gas company with a market capitalization exceeding US $50 billion.