21.   The ministry is likely to come under pressure not to approve the strike because of the importance of the channel for oil shipments.

22.   The ministry is likely to come under pressure to turn down the request to strike because of the importance of the channel for oil shipments.

23.   The resumption of Iraqi oil shipments is contingent on the adoption of a distribution plan, Dessables said earlier.

24.   The reduction came because of fog-delayed oil shipments, according to Brian Mitchell, a spokesman at the Houston-based company.

25.   The shutdown reduced oil shipments to refiners in the U.S. Midwest, where inventories trail a year ago and are considered lean.

26.   To be sure, energy markets will continue to be sensitive to developments in the Middle East, should instability there disrupt oil shipments.

27.   Venezuela has suspended much-needed oil shipments, consumer prices have risen and tourism has been slow.

28.   A day after Iraq halted oil shipments, Saudi Arabia said Saturday it was discussing with other OPEC members how to maintain market stability.

29.   An exception will be made for oil shipments for humanitarian assistance, such as for refugees or displaced persons.

30.   At the same time, Iraqi and U.N. oil experts were trying to reach agreement on a pricing formula which would enable Iraq to resume oil shipments.