WASHINGTON, Feb 17: US crude oil imports in December declined 2.6 per cent from November to 9.584 million barrels per day (bpd), the federal Energy Information Administration said.

Total December oil imports dropped by 253,000 bpd, based on preliminary numbers from importing companies provided to the Energy Department's analytical arm.

Canada kept its ranking as the largest oil supplier to the US in December, but shipments fell 235,000 bpd to an average 1.829 million bpd.Saudi Arabia jumped one spot to second place with exports of 1.471 million bpd, up a slight 27,000 bpd from the month before.

Mexico dropped to third, with shipments down 217,000 bpd to 1.245 million bpd.

Venezuela maintained its traditional fourth-place ranking, exporting 1.045 million bpd, down 43,000 bpd.—Reuters