Wilma has very quickly strengthened to a storm with winds of 175 miles per hour — that’s stronger than Katrina and Rita. Although it’s not on course to hit oil platforms, it’s still a few...

Much of the fall in prices has been on the fact that some of the supplies to the U.S. are products and not crude.

If it doesn’t get there, prices will rise again. They may not be able to find the ships.

The threat is fresh and direct, and therefore significant to the ongoing stability of the oil-rich region. The light, sweet Nigerian crude grade that could be affected is also highly attractive.