EIA Ups 2015 Crude-price Forecasts, Cuts 2016 View

The U.S. Energy Information Administration raised its 2015 forecasts for West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude prices in a monthly report issued Tuesday. The government agency said it expects WTI prices to average $54.32 a barrel this year, up from a previous forecast of $52.52. The EIA, however, said it expects WTI crude to average $65.57 a barrel in 2016, down from the prior view of $70.07. Brent crude is forecast at $60.79 this year, up from a previous forecast of $59.39. The EIA said it expects natural-gas prices to average $2.93 per million British thermal units this year, down from the earlier estimate of $3.07.