US crude inventories surged by 15.989 million barrels to 435.8 million barrels in the week ended February 20, the most in three years and well above market expectations of a 1.5 million-barrel rise. Crude stocks at the Cushing, Oklahoma, delivery hub rose by 881,000 barrels. Distillate stockpiles , which include diesel and heating oil, rose by 252,000 barrels in the week to 120.4 million barrels, versus expectations for a 1.6 million-barrel drop. On the other hand, gasoline stocks fell by 1 million barrels in the week to 254.8 million barrels, more than forecasts for a 560,000-barrel draw.