Oil futures ticked higher early Thursday, steadying after setting back the previous session following data that showed a rise in product inventories that offset a fall in crude supplies.

Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as investors weighed firm winter fuel demand expectations against large U.S. fuel inventories and macroeconomic concerns.

Gas prices are ticking up on the High Desert and elsewhere in the first days of 2025. The major driver is a rally in crude oil prices, AAA Oregon/Idaho reported Tuesday. Here's their weekly report: While the national average for regular gas came close to $3 a gallon in late 2024,