Oil prices softened Monday morning as the newest European Union sanctions package against Russia seemed likely to impact Russian oil flows less than expected.

Oil prices fluctuated between small gains and losses Thursday morning, after a weekly U.S. government oil inventory report sent mixed signals about the state of oil and fuel demand.

Oil crude benchmarks edged down on Wednesday, Sept. 17, ignoring data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) and American Petroleum Institute showing draws in commercial crude oil and gasoline inventories, while distillates stocks build in the week ending Sept. 12.

Oil prices softened Wednesday morning, halting a three-day rally spurred on by concerns over Russian crude oil supply as Ukraine intensified its attacks on oil infrastructure.

Oil futures prices rose on Tuesday, Sept. 16, on expectations of tighter global supplies after Ukrainian attacked one of Russia's largest refineries with drones over the weekend.

Oil prices rose Tuesday morning after the European Union postponed a vote on the 19th sanctions package against Russia in order to more closely coordinate sanctions with G-7 partners.

-- Oil futures prices finished slightly higher Monday.