Topic: OPEC

Oil prices rise on optimism about Greece

Oil prices near $92 a barrel after weekend opinion polls show Greece's austerity parties could form a coalition. In London, oil prices move up nearly $1 a barrel.

Oil prices fall below $96 a barrel

Oil prices in Asia fall on concerns about slowing economic growth. Oil prices have fallen about 10 percent since last week.

Oil prices fall to six-month low. Gas to follow.

Oil prices fall below $99 a barrel on weak jobs report. At $3.80 a gallon, gasoline prices should follow oil prices down. 

Why Obama can't control gas prices

Many of us fail to understand a near-maxim of gas prices: No one can really control them and certainly not an American president. And we should know why that is the case since the price of gasoline impacts us all and the global economy.

On eve of Iran nuclear talks, sanctions bite

Iran is struggling with the financial and economic sanctions imposed by the West in efforts to convince the regime to restrict its nuclear program. More sanctions are in the works.

Top 15 sources of US crude oil imports

Here's where the US is really getting its oil, plus a look at how imports have changed over the past decade.

Oil prices back up over $103 a barrel

Oil prices in Europe edged up in trading in anticipation of talks with Iran over its nuclear program. Oil prices peaked at $110 last month.

Indonesia backs off plans to hike price of gas after protests

But pressure continues to mount to increase prices from their current, government-subsidized $2 per gallon, as the subsidies sap resources from education, health care, and other programs.

Supreme Court wrestles with a more dependent world

The high court hears a complaint from states about the health-care law's 'coercion' to accept an expensive expansion of Medicaid. The issue reflects a more dependent world in government, trade, and high-tech.

Iranian oil sanctions: US exempts 11 nations

The American government will exempt 10 European countries plus Japan from financial sanctions due to their efforts to reduce their dependence on Iranian oil.

Gas prices too high. Blame India?

Gas prices are rising partly because demand is rising in the developing world. Unlike fluctuating tensions in the Middle East, rising world demand will keep pushing gas prices higher.

Inside the Keystone pipeline: How much would it really help US consumers?

Politicians paint a rosy picture of lower gas prices and abundant supply, but Canadian firms behind the Keystone pipeline expect it to supply Gulf Coast export markets and raise Midwest oil prices.

Iran elections: Ahmadinejad reduced to lame duck

Forces loyal to conservative cleric Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have taken over 75 percent of the seats in parliamentary elections, leaving rival President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad weakened.

World's cheapest gas: Top 10 countries

While Americans and Europeans  bemoan the cost of gasoline at the pumps, people in some other parts of the world enjoy filling up their tanks cheaply thanks to subsidies provided by wealthy, oil-rich governments.  Here are the 10 cheapest countries on Earth to fill a gas tank.

Americans' trend line on gasoline: Use less, spend more

US oil consumption is down, and fuel economy for new vehicles is at an all-time high. Despite these leaner ways, Americans are spending 65 percent more on gasoline since 2005. Why?

Does America need a CEO in the Oval Office?

Mitt Romney has been both vaunted and vilified for his business background. Here's how running a corporation really compares to running a country. 

Iran loading homemade nuclear fuel rods, firing up new centrifuges

Iran says it now has the next generation of centrifuges to enrich uranium for its nuclear program. But US experts are skeptical of Iran's claims.

Another 'Lula' on the rise in Venezuela?

A primary election in Venezuela today looks set to elevate Henrique Capriles Radonski, a politician who models himself after a former Brazilian president, as the main challenger to Hugo Chavez.

Oil prices will rise as supplies tighten? Hardly.

Oil prices, which fell below $97 a barrel on Monday, are not poised to surge in the long run because long-term production is declining. Better technology and, if needed, higher oil prices mean the long predicted peak in oil production is a long way off. 

As UN nuclear inspectors arrive, Iran says 'questions will be answered'

The three-day visit could shape the direction of Western efforts to curb Iran's nuclear program, which Tehran says is only for peaceful purposes. 

Iran oil embargo: How tough are the EU sanctions?

Europe's Iran oil embargo is unprecedented. But the EU may have left the door open for adjustments that could ease pressure on Tehran.

Chávez appointment - a slap to Colombia?

Venezuela President Hugo Chávez's new defense minister is worrying officials in both the US and Colombia because of his links to Colombia's FARC rebels.

Europeans fear Iran oil embargo will wreck economy

With a proposed embargo on Iranian oil, the European Union and the US could suffer from rising oil prices while Iran simply finds new buyers.

Hezbollah in Latin America: an over-hyped threat?

The indictment of a Lebanese man accused of running a money-laundering and drug-trafficking ring for Hezbollah in Colombia has sparked fresh concerns about the Islamic militia group's connections to organized crime in Latin America.

What's Ahmadinejad getting out of his Latin America tour?

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Latin America trip, a whirlwind four-nation tour that began in Venezuela on Jan. 8, is now taking him to the inauguration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. The trip is his fifth visit to the region since 2007 and has prompted alarm in some corners of the United States that Iran is using the region as a staging ground to attack US interests.

However, many who study Iran’s relationship with Latin America, in particular Venezuela, say fear of an Iranian threat in the Americas is overblown, at least at this point. Here are four reasons why: