Crude oil prices rose rapidly during April, gaining approximately 10% from where they started the month.  Prices are about 30% higher than a year ago and have now reached levels not seen since November 2014.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months:

During March 2018, crude oil prices traded in a narrow range for most of the month, then started to climb modestly toward the end of the month.  By the end of March, prices gained about 6% from where they started the month.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months: 

During February 2018, crude oil prices went on a roller coaster ride following a similar track as the stock market.  Shortly after the start of the month, prices fell by approximately 10%.  Prices remained at that lower level for a brief period and then started to rise again.  By the end of February, prices netted to be about 10% lower

As 2018 got underway, crude oil prices continued their rapid climb and gained almost 10% during January.  Prices are approximately 25% higher compared to the start of last year and have reached levels that haven’t been seen in over three years.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months: 

Crude oil prices ended 2017 at just over $60/barrel; a level not seen since June 2015.  December’s prices were relatively flat during the first half of the month followed by a gain of approximately 4% to end the month.  Prices have now increased almost 28% from the start of September.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the

Crude oil prices gained another 6% during November and closed the month at just over $57/barrel.  Prices briefly topped $59 near the end of the month and then receded slightly.  Prices have now increased 21% from the start of September.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months:

Crude oil prices posted a net gain of roughly 5% during October following an increase of approximately 10% back in September.  Prices started the month at just under $52/barrel and closed the month at just over $54.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months:

Crude oil prices increased by approximately 10% throughout September.  They started at just over $47/barrel and closed the month near $52.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months:   

August’s crude oil prices traded in a narrow range between the mid- to high-$40’s/barrel.  They opened the month just over $49 and closed the month just over $47.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months:

July’s oil prices closed the month at just over $50/barrel which was almost 10% higher than where they started the month.  Prices sagged during the first week of July but turned upward by the second week and continued climbing for the remainder of the month.  The following graph shows the daily price movements over the past three months: