US Cash Crude — Grades rise as US considers removing sanctions on some shadow fleet vessels

HOUSTON, Oct 15 (Reuters) — Oil grades largely rose on Thursday, dealers said, after a US official said President Donald Trump's administration was considering easing sanctions on so-called shadow fleet vessels in an effort to reduce record-high global freight rates. High shipping costs have hurt US exports, pushing the discount to $14.17 this week, the widest in over five months. Meanwhile, crude inventories fell by 8.6 million barrels to 415.6 million barrels in the week ended October 9, the Energy Information Administration said, as Hurricane Isaias shut-in output. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 288,000-barrel draw. Globally, the International Energy Agency also said on Thursday that the total amount of stocks to be released will exceed the original 400 million barrels agreed upon in March and its members have committed to speed up the release of the remaining volumes. Light Louisiana Sweet for November delivery was flat at a midpoint of a $3.75 premium and was seen bid and offered between a $3.50 and $4.00 a barrel premium to U.S. crude futures Mars Sour rose $1.50 to a midpoint of a $4 premium and was seen bid and offered between a $3.75 and $4.25 a barrel premium t