File photo: VCG

HOUSTON, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. crude oil production increased slightly during the week ending Friday, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said Thursday.

According to the EIA, U.S. crude oil production averaged 12.8 million barrels per day (b/d) last week, up by 200,000 b/d from the previous week and up by about 1.1 million b/d year-on-year.

This was the first week that the U.S. crude oil production increased after remaining unchanged for four weeks.

Oil prices pulled back on Thursday after data showed a hefty weekly rise in U.S. crude stocks.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for December delivery decreased 0.35 U.S. dollar to settle at 56.77 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Brent crude for January delivery dipped 0.09 dollar to close at 62.28 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.