NNA - Oil prices fell nearly a dollar a barrel on Wednesday after a surprise jump in U.S. crude stockpiles raised worries about demand in the largest oil market.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 87 cents, or 1.2%, to $71.37 a barrel. Global benchmark Brent crude oil futures settled 79 cents, or 1%, to $76.80 a barrel.

Prices had gained more than 1% early in the session but reversed course after the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a surprise build in crude oil stockpiles and larger-than-expected jumps in storage of gasoline and distillates.

"Today's EIA report highlights investor concerns of slowing demand growth," said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist at U.S. Bank Asset Management.

U.S. crude inventories rose by 1.3 million barrels in the week ended Jan. 5 to 432.4 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 700,000 barrel drop. Gasoline stocks rose by 8 million barrels while distillate stocks jumped by 6.5 million barrels, the EIA reported.

"Part of the explanation is weaker crude and refined product exports resulting in higher U.S. builds, so that is something to watch in my view, how foreign demand evolves," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

Europe's weak economic outlook added to oil demand concerns. The euro zone may have been in recession last quarter and prospects remain weak, European Central Bank Vice President Luis de Guindos said on Wednesday.--Reuters 

==========R.H.