Oil prices dipped after reaching a seven-week high as US crude inventories increased by 2.26 million barrels, tempering investor optimism despite a record rally in the S&P 500. Brent oil rose on Middle East war jitters while WTI oil dipped ahead of inventories report. Front-month Brent showed optimism for a global oil balance tightening. US crude oil held above $81 per barrel, aiming for a second weekly gain. US petroleum inventories rose slightly, while gasoline and distillate inventories fell. Oil prices climbed after the US Energy Information Administration reported a 2.5 million barrel inventory decline.