With gold, crude oil has also been on an uncertain phase in which it is neither trending upwards or downwards. This seems to be a confusing point of time for all investors concerned keeping in mind the uncertainty of the global recovery. This blog is directed towards informing those investors who are interested in the energy front.

The last few days seem to be choppy in terms of the volumes on an international front, as the crude oil prices realized a slight gain yesterday. In fact, led by Brent Crude on concerns surrounding North Sea production and of course those pesky geo-political worries, oil prices are enhancing step by step. North Sea blend production is near record lows due to maintenance. Weak Euro zone growth, but in line with expectations and Chinese data, are also keeping hopes on oil attaining higher prices with the belief that China or some other nation will provide some stimulation for the floundering global economy. There is nothing like fear and stimuli to provide support for oil. Yet a hotter than expected U.S. PPI may cool market expectations just a bit.

There is also nothing like politics to try and reinvent yourself. As gasoline prices rise, along with the anger, it appears the Obama administration is embracing more oil production! And you would never guess where! Alaska! The Wall Street Journal, in a must read, said that, “The Obama administration proposed opening up 12 million acres of Alaska's 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve for oil and natural-gas drilling, while restricting energy production on the rest of the acreage.”  The Journal says that “Secretary Ken Salazar said the proposal strikes "an important balance" between energy production and environmental conservation.

Of course the plan is not perfect and, “The plan quickly attracted critics who say the proposal is too restrictive.” This decision denies U.S. taxpayers both revenue and jobs at a time when our nation faces record debt and chronic unemployment," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Mr. Salazar said the proposal targets areas that hold the majority of energy resources. The areas targeted for oil and natural-gas leasing are thought to hold 550 million barrels of economically recoverable oil and 8.7 trillion cubic feet of economically recoverable natural gas, the Interior Department said. Stay tuned, this is going to be fun!

On the West Coast the news is not good as it appears that the Chevron refinery will be impacted for many months due to the fire. While other refineries try to make up the difference, the fear is that this is just asking for more trouble.

Note: The blog is just an expression of the author’s opinion and cannot be deemed responsible for any losses incurred.