21.   In the short term, though, the drop in gasoline and home heating prices in recent weeks is likely to be more important, analysts said.

22.   Reduced heating demand in the U.S. Northeast because of warmer weather helped push heating oil prices lower.

23.   Some companies are even using the spike in heating fuel prices as a selling opportunity.

24.   Surging demand for diesel has drawn distillate out of refineries as quickly as it flowed in, leading to a rapid rise in heating oil prices.

25.   Still, if the winter proves to be a cold one, demand could be strong enough to keep heating oil prices high.

26.   The Clinton administration has promised to take a variety of actions to alleviate a big increase in heating oil prices in the Northeast.

27.   The candidates also spent some time sparring over a pressing regional issue, how to stem the rise of heating oil prices.

28.   The danger remains of another surge in home heating oil prices this winter.

29.   The cold snap boosted European heating oil prices more than those in the U.S., where mild weather has dampened demand.

30.   The decline in heating oil prices dragged crude oil lower as well.