U.S. crude oil prices rose above $79 per barrel on Wednesday, extending gains as the Department of Energy (DOE) and OPEC projected a supply deficit due to increased demand. The DOE raised its global oil consumption growth forecast to 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) for this year, up from 900,000 bpd, while OPEC maintained its forecast of 2.2 million bpd. These optimistic projections contrast with the International Energy Agency’s bearish outlook on demand. Current energy prices show significant gains in oil and gasoline, while natural gas has also seen a substantial year-to-date increase.