The reason why we're seeing stronger numbers is this new storm coming in the Caribbean which could cause disruptions to the crude oil facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.

This is a technical liquidation. There are large numbers of non-commercial (contracts) out there.

The market would probably be weaker without these concerns.

Mild weather is one of the factors, and we're going into the heating-oil season with high stocks.

We are still quite strong in spite of expectations for product stock builds. Question marks over Nigeria and Iran and the effects of cold weather in Russia, which have reduced exports, are providing a lot of support.

Warm weather in the Northern Hemisphere continues to weigh on the heating oil market, and that has been dragging crude prices down too.