NEW YORK, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Crude prices wrapped up its three-day losses on Wednesday as U.S. crude inventory dropped more than expected.

    According to the U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration (EIA), crude stockpiles dropped by 3.9 million barrels for the week ended June 12, much more than analysts had expected.

    However, the gains were capped by a surprising buildup in gasoline inventories, which rose 3.4 million barrels, defying the expectation for a decline and easing worries about supplies in the U.S. summer driving season.

    Light, sweet crude for July delivery gained 56 cents to settle at 71.03 U.S. dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. In London, Brent crude for August delivery rose 54 cents to 70.78 dollars a barrel on the ICE Futures exchange.