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Rising geopolitical tensions lift oil prices

March was a mixed month for energy commodities. Oil prices jumped on the back of rising tensions in the Middle East and speculation that OPEC would extend its production cuts into 2019. However, prices fell back at the start of April on concerns over a trade war between the US and China. In contrast, coal prices in Europe and the Pacific dropped as warmer weather sapped demand. At the same time, US natural gas prices were stable as the upward pressure on prices from another fall in stocks was offset by rising production.

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