Crude-oil futures extended gains Thursday after government data showed a surprise drop in last week's crude inventories. Crude inventories dropped 5.4 million barrels in the week ended May 22, declining for a third straight week, the Energy Information Administration reported. Analysts surveyed by Platts had expected an increase of 1.8 million barrels. After the data, crude for July delivery rose $1, or 1.5%, to $64.45 a barrel. Gasoline inventories fell by 600,000 barrels last week and distillate stockpiles, which include heating oil and diesel, rose 300,000 barrels, the EIA said.
