91.   Later, higher oil prices caused by Middle East tension diminished optimism that inflation will remain subdued.

92.   Lukoil expects more profit because higher domestic oil prices will offset the tax burden.

93.   Major U.S. oil companies reported surprisingly strong second-quarter earnings, thanks to higher oil prices and wider margins in chemical and refining businesses.

94.   Mobil Corp., Texaco Inc., Chevron Corp., Amoco Corp., Atlantic Richfield Co. and Occidental Petroleum Corp. posted better results as all benefited from higher oil prices.

95.   Mobil Corp., Texaco Inc., Chevron Corp., Atlantic Richfield Co. and Occidental Petroleum Corp. posted better results as all benefited from higher oil prices.

96.   More broadly, higher oil prices could boost inflation, pushing up the low interest rates that have kept the economy strong for more than six years.

97.   Most companies have benefited from higher oil and chemical prices that offset declines in refining profits.

98.   Occidental Petroleum credited higher oil production and lower costs for boosting its fourth-quarter profits before special items.

99.   Oil company stocks have surged with higher oil prices during the past year.

100.   Normally, higher oil prices would hurt companies most sensitive to refining, since they buy most of their oil and would suffer higher raw materials costs.