Crude Oil Lifted by Tropical Storm Threat

Crude oil futures rose Monday at the New York Mercantile Exchange, buoyed by a developing tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico and continuing tensions between the West and Iran over the latter's nuclear-research program.

Texas light crude for August delivery added $2.16 to $131.04 a barrel, and Brent crude was up $2.73 at $132.92 a barrel. Reformulated gasoline futures gained 5 cents at $3.22 a gallon, and heating oil tacked on 6 cents at $3.75 a gallon.

Tropical Storm Dolly, which formed in the Caribbean Sea over the weekend, is beginning to veer into the southern Gulf of Mexico, drawing the attention of energy traders as it does so. According to Edward Meir, energy analyst at MF Global, the storm will likely track the northern Yucatan peninsula without harming the Gulf's energy infrastructure. However, some weather models are showing that the storm could ultimately aim for Texas. ...