Today it's because of the wussy, limp-wristed, lily-livered, weak-kneed, punk-ass dollar:
Crude Oil Rises After Dollar Drops to Record Low Against Euro
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'C')rude oil rose above $88 a barrel in New York as the dollar declined to a record low against the euro, enhancing the appeal of commodities as an investment.
Investors purchased oil on speculation the Federal Reserve will cut borrowing costs to bolster the U.S. economy. Oil reached records the past four days on concern Turkey will use military force against Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, a step that the U.S. says may damage Iraqi security and disrupt oil supplies.
"Most commodities are priced in the U.S. dollar, so the drop on the dollar has an immediate effect,' said Peter Beutel, president of Cameron Hanover Inc., a New Canaan, Connecticut, energy consultant. "The price in dollars needs to go higher to reflect the true value of the commodities.''