1.   As for higher petroleum prices working their way into other products, Pfund of Rubbermaid insists his company will hold the line on its plastic cans and kitchenware.

2.   Some oil companies are just beginning to respond to higher petroleum prices, announcing that if prices hold up, they will increase spending on exploration and drilling.

3.   The rise reflects higher petroleum and agricultural sales for the company, which produces oil, chemicals, fertilizer and aluminum.

4.   While some traders said the report boosted stocks -- higher petroleum prices would increase transportation costs for companies -- others said there was no cause for optimism.

5.   Relatively lower crude prices and higher petroleum products prices mean bigger profit margins for refiners, which should help encourage production, he added.