Oil prices have been pushed up again by several factors

Oil prices have been pushed up again by several factors. Buyers are worried about falling reserves in the US and the possibility that world oil supplies could tighten again. OPEC oil cartel members Saudi Arabia and Nigeria have hinted the organisation might not follow through on its vow to boost output. In London Brent crude shot up $1.57 on Thursday going as high as $36.10 a barrel. Nigeria's top oil official has cautioned OPEC about releasing too much supply at current prices and Saudi Arabian oil minister Ali al-Naimi said OPEC will wait until its 21st July meeting before deciding on increasing production. That was due to happen on 1st July. Another factor that is worrying the markets is the warning from the biggest Russian oil firm YUKOS that it might have to halt production as Russian officials seeking billions in back taxes have frozen their bank accounts. In addition reserves in the US have fallen as refineries have concentrated on producing petrol to match demand from motorists during the summer holiday period which is fueling fears of low heating oil supplies later in the year.