Oil prices extended gains on Tuesday as the market eyed U.S. output concerns in the aftermath of Hurricane Francine and expectations of lower U.S. crude stockpiles. Brent crude futures for November were up 36 cents,

The Brent/WTI spread has historically ranged between $4/bbl and $8/bbl, but it can expand or contract based on factors related to U.S. and international supply and demand conditions. For example, the Brent/WTI spread hit nearly $14/bbl in April 2011 when protests sparked market fears of significant oil supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Oil futures trimmed losses Wednesday, after government data showed U.S. crude inventories fell last week and traders awaited a Federal Reserve decision that’s fully expected to deliver a rate cut.