Middle East strife, US economy to fuel oil, gasoline prices.

The article discusses the highlights of the teleconference hosted by Standard & Poor's (S&P) held on May 25, 2004. Topics covered the Middle East conflict, the strengthening of the U.S. economy and the increasing oil demand from China and the U.S. and their impact on oil and gas prices. Speakers include S&P economist Beth Ann Bovino and S&P integrated oil and gas equity analyst Tita Vital.