oil price

Under pressure to take action on rising gasoline prices, President Barack Obama wants Congress to strengthen federal supervision of oil markets, increase penalties for market manipulation and empower regulators to increase the amount of money energy traders are required to put behind their transactions.

Oil prices rose slightly to near $106 a barrel Friday in Asia after the U.S. denied reports it and Britain plan to release some their strategic crude reserves. Benchmark oil for April delivery was up 40 cents to $105.51 at late afternoon Singapore time in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell 32 cents to settle at $105.11 per barrel in New York on Thursday. Brent crude for May delivery was up 55 cents at $123.15 per barrel in London.

Oil prices fell Friday as Greece's debt negotiations sparked new concerns about Europe's financial problems. Greece officials said that they are confident a deal will be reached with private creditors who are being asked help ease the country's debt load. An agreement is necessary for Greece to receive a new round of bailout money to prevent a default on its debt.

As soon as oil prices rise, it takes little time before drivers begin to feel the pain at the pump. But it takes far longer for price decreases to reach consumers. Here's why.

Recent market sell-offs may have been more about paranoia than about real risk. JPMorgan calculations indicate that the potential impact of rising oil prices on the economy may be less than most investors think. But the fear factor itself also can't be overlooked.

Asian markets rose today with investors piling into oil companies as the price of oil passed the $100 a barrel mark. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index inched up 0.2%, the Shanghai Composite Index added 0.3%, and Japan's Nikkei 225 Index edged up 0.4%.

OPEC might as well have just one member. Saudi Arabia is the largest crude producer in the cartel. If it does not go along with an increase or cut in production, a decision by the rest of the members won't mean much. The Saudi oil minister telegraphed OPEC's intentions Tuesday by saying his country...