Oil Hovers Near $102 a Barrel

(NEWSER) - Oil approached $41 a barrel today after OPEC said it would cut its output if necessary to stabilize prices, Reuters reports. “I think we still need more action,” OPEC’s secretary-general said, promising the cuts would be more thorough than many expected, with 80% compliance among the 12-member group. More»

Experts say a further weakening of the dollar will push prices higher still

(NEWSER) - The specter of conflict in Iran and a surprisingly large decline in US stockpiles pushed European oil prices above $145 today for the first time, reports the AP. A further weakening of the dollar, if the European Central Bank raises interest rates as expected later today, could push prices even higher. Crude has risen more than 50% since the end of 2007. More»

Industry may require massive cash infusion to keep up with demand: analyst

(NEWSER) - The international agency that monitors oil supplies is preparing a very pessimistic forecast of future capacity, the Wall Street Journal reports, one that heightens worries over whether producers will be able to keep pace with exploding demand for oil. The International Energy Agency, whose previous models showed steady—and predictable—growth, is revising that sharply downward, the Journal says, though the report won't be out until November. More»

Experts say $150 or more isn't out of the question as world demand grows.

(NEWSER) - A “super-spike” could push oil beyond $150 a barrel by October, the highest it been in more than 135 years, experts say. That would drive the price at the pump past $4.50 a gallon and trim US economic output 3.3% in the 2 years following, reports the Wall Street Journal. Crude sold for a record $121.84 yesterday, up 96% from a year ago. More»

Dollar's decline chief cause of spike

(NEWSER) - Crude oil hit a new record high in trading today—$113.66 a barrel—as weary investors attempted to hedge against a tumbling dollar and oil shipments were disrupted around the world. Though the dollar is the main concern, supply problems, including OPEC's decision not to change its 2008 outlook and the closure of a top Mexican export terminal, didn't help, the AFP reports. More»