Crude oil futures edged higher as near-term supply concerns were partly offset by a larger than expected rise in U.S. crude stockpiles despite a drop in net imports.

U.S. crude oil inventories increased by more than expected last week in a fourth consecutive build, while product stocks declined, according to U.S. government data.

U.S. crude oil stockpiles rose while gasoline and distillate inventories fell last week as seasonal maintenance at refineries led to lower processing, the Energy Information Administration said on Thursday.