On Wednesday, August 1, oil futures soared, as the U.S. Energy Department reported on tumbled supplies. Stockpiles declined by 6.52 million barrels to 373.6 million barrels, six times more than it was expected. Soon after the data, crude oil for September settlement jumped 0.9 per cent, to $88.87 per barrel during today's New York trading session. The boost was also provided by the speculations about central banks' bold actions later this week.