Petrol

A Chinese petrol kiosk worker adjusts the price board outside a station in Wuhan, in central China's Hubei province early on September 2, 2009. China said it was raising petrol and diesel prices by up to five percent from September 2, the fourth hike in 2009, setting new highs in some areas as it moves closer to a market-based pricing system.

A Pakistani petrol station employee fills the tank of a motorcycle in Karachi on September 1, 2009. Pakistani authorities increased the oil prices by eight percent for the month of September to match an increase in fuel prices on the international market.

A Pakistani petrol station employee fills the tank of a car in Karachi on September 1, 2009. Pakistani authorities increased the oil prices by eight percent for the month of September to match an increase in fuel prices on the international market.

A Pakistani petrol station employee fills the tank of a car in Karachi on September 1, 2009. Pakistani authorities increased the oil prices by eight percent for the month of September to match an increase in fuel prices on the international market.

Indonesian motorists queue for petrol at a station in Padang, Sumatra, on October 1, 2009, following a massive earthquake. Indonesia said on October 1 it feared thousands had died in a 7.6-magnitude earthquake as exhausted rescue workers clawed through mountains of rubble to find survivors. At least 770 people were killed and nearly 2,400 injured in the quake.

A Pakistani petrol station employee adjusts a fuel price board in Karachi on September 1, 2009. Pakistani authorities increased the oil prices by eight percent for the month of September to match an increase in fuel prices on the international market.

Petrol pumps lie on the ground after the passage of Hurricane Jimena, in Puerto San Carlos, Baja California state, Mexico, on September 2, 2009. Jimena crashed Wednesday into Mexico's Baja California, forcing thousands to seek emergency shelter as it buffeted islands off the coast with high winds and heavy rain.

An informal petrol seller --popularly known as 'pimpineros'-- fuels a lorry near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

A BP petrol station is pictured in Heston, Berkshire, in southern England, on October 27, 2009. British energy giant BP said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit sank 34 percent to 5.34 billion dollars (3.59 billion euros), hit by lower oil prices and despite higher production. The company said in an earnings release that total sales fell 37 percent to 67.9 billion dollars in the three months to September, even as output rose 6.9 percent to 3.92 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

An informal petrol seller --popularly known as 'pimpineros'-- talks with a biker near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

An informal petrol seller --popularly known as 'pimpineros'-- awaits for customers near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

An informal petrol seller --popularly known as 'pimpineros'-- refills jerry cans near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

A BP petrol station is pictured in Heston, Berkshire, in southern England, on October 27, 2009. British energy giant BP said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit sank 34 percent to 5.34 billion dollars (3.59 billion euros), hit by lower oil prices and despite higher production. The company said in an earnings release that total sales fell 37 percent to 67.9 billion dollars in the three months to September, even as output rose 6.9 percent to 3.92 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

An informal petrol seller --popularly known as 'pimpineros'-- fuels a bike near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

A taxi parks along an informal petrol station near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

A BP petrol station is pictured in Heston, Berkshire, in southern England, on October 27, 2009. British energy giant BP said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit sank 34 percent to 5.34 billion dollars (3.59 billion euros), hit by lower oil prices and despite higher production. The company said in an earnings release that total sales fell 37 percent to 67.9 billion dollars in the three months to September, even as output rose 6.9 percent to 3.92 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

A BP petrol station is pictured in Heston, Berkshire, in southern England, on October 27, 2009. British energy giant BP said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit sank 34 percent to 5.34 billion dollars (3.59 billion euros), hit by lower oil prices and despite higher production. The company said in an earnings release that total sales fell 37 percent to 67.9 billion dollars in the three months to September, even as output rose 6.9 percent to 3.92 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

An informal petrol seller known as 'Pimpinero' awaits for customers near the border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela, in Cucuta, Colombia, on November 10, 2009. Relations between Colombia and Venezuela were frozen in July after Bogota announced its agreement to lease the use of seven military bases to the United States for counternarcotics operations. The 10-year deal was signed last month. Bilateral trade, which in 2008 exceeded seven billion dollars, has largely subsided since then, notably as tensions have risen along the 2,000-kilometer (1,240-mile) border region.

A BP petrol station is pictured in Heston, Berkshire, in southern England, on October 27, 2009. British energy giant BP said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit sank 34 percent to 5.34 billion dollars (3.59 billion euros), hit by lower oil prices and despite higher production. The company said in an earnings release that total sales fell 37 percent to 67.9 billion dollars in the three months to September, even as output rose 6.9 percent to 3.92 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

People queue for petrol in Padang on October 2, 2009. Indonesia said it feared thousands had died in a major earthquake as exhausted rescue workers clawed through mountains of rubble with their bare hands in a race to find survivors.

People queue for petrol in Padang on October 2, 2009. Indonesia said it feared thousands had died in an enormous earthquake as exhausted rescue workers clawed through mountains of rubble with their bare hands in a race to find survivors. The first flights laden with food, medicine and body bags began arriving in the devastated region on Sumatra island as another powerful quake struck further south, causing more injuries and sparking panic.

A BP petrol station is pictured in Heston, Berkshire, in southern England, on October 27, 2009. British energy giant BP said Tuesday that its third-quarter net profit sank 34 percent to 5.34 billion dollars (3.59 billion euros), hit by lower oil prices and despite higher production. The company said in an earnings release that total sales fell 37 percent to 67.9 billion dollars in the three months to September, even as output rose 6.9 percent to 3.92 million barrels of oil equivalent per day.

CHIBA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 21: A visitor examines the new Mazda Motor Corp.'s direct-injection petrol engine 'Mazda SKY-G' during the 41st Tokyo Motor Show at Makuhari Messe on October 21, 2009 in Chiba, Japan. The Show, which will be opened to the public from October 24 to November 4, will feature more than 500 vehicles, including 39 world premieres and 21 Japan premieres. The exhibitors are 2 governments, 2 organizations and 108 companies from 10 countries and 1 region.

A gasoline attendant fills a jeepney in Quezon City, suburban Manila on November 16, 2009. Philippine President Gloria Arroyo signed an order lifting price controls on oil products she had imposed last month in the wake of devastating storms, her office said. The move came days after oil companies warned of a supply shortage of petrol because they were selling at a loss.

Jeepneys pass by a electronic board showing gasoline prices in Quezon City, suburban Manila on November 16, 2009. Philippine President Gloria Arroyo signed an order lifting price controls on oil products she had imposed last month in the wake of devastating storms, her office said. The move came days after oil companies warned of a supply shortage of petrol because they were selling at a loss.

BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl poses by the BMW Z4 displayed at the Indian Couture Fashion Week in Mumbai on October 12, 2009. The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 5,900,000 (129,900 USD).

BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl poses in the BMW Z4 displayed at the Indian Couture Fashion Week in Mumbai on October 12, 2009. The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 5,900,000 (129,900 USD).

XINGTAI,, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: A petrol station collapses due to fall of heavy snow on November 12, 2009 in Xingtai, Hebei Province of China. Heavy snow continues to fall in most parts of north and northwest China on Thursday, leading to major disruption to public transport and transportation, including aviation and highways. Power supplies in some areas have also been affected.

A Greenpeace activist poses with a placard on November 14, 2009 in front of a petrol station in the southern French city of Nice during a demonstation to protest against the use of oil sands by French oil giant Total, notably in Canada. Environmentalists worry about the oil sands contribution to global warming and the high cost of its extraction. The placard reads in French 'Total creates sustainable destruction'.

LONDON - NOVEMBER 18: A hybrid petrol electric vehicle is charged in a special parking bay on November 18, 2009 in London. As world leaders prepare to gather for the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December, the resolve of the industrial nations seems to be weakening with President Obama stating that it would be impossible to reach a binding deal at the summit. Climate campaigners are concerned that this disappointing announcement is a backward step ahead of the summit.

A Honduran police officer gets fuel at a petrol station after the curfew was suspended during a few hours in Tegucigalpa on September 23, 2009. Ousted President Manuel Zelaya holed up in Brazil's embassy seeking reinstatement, urged the UN General Assembly Wednesday not to abandon the people of the troubled Central American nation.

Foreign workers clean a metro station during a test trial in the Gulf emirate of Dubai on September 6, 2009, three days before the official opening of the first metro network in the Arab Gulf region. Dubai launches the metro network next week but it remains to be seen whether motorists in the congested city state, where petrol is subsidised, will be won over. The first line of a two-line luxury, driverless, automated metro system is set to open for business on September 9, but transport authorities now say only 10 of its 29 stations will be ready for the symbolic date of 09/09/09.

A Greenpeace activist crosses the street with a placard on November 14, 2009 in front of a petrol station in the southern French city of Nice during a demonstation to protest against the use of oil sands by French oil giant Total, notably in Canada. Environmentalists worry about the oil sands contribution to global warming and the high cost of its extraction. The placard reads in French 'Total creates sustainable destruction'.

Greenpeace activists show pictures and banners on November 14, 2009 in front of a petrol station in the southern French city of Nice during a demonstation to protest against the use of oil sands by French oil giant Total, notably in Canada. Environmentalists worry about the oil sands contribution to global warming and the high cost of its extraction. The placard (R) reads in French: 'Total creates sustainable destruction'.

Foreign workers clean a metro station's roof in the Gulf emirate of Dubai on September 6, 2009, three days before the official opening of the first metro network in the Arab Gulf region. Dubai launches the metro network next week but it remains to be seen whether motorists in the congested city state, where petrol is subsidised, will be won over. The first line of a two-line luxury, driverless, automated metro system is set to open for business on September 9, but transport authorities now say only 10 of its 29 stations will be ready for the symbolic date of 09/09/09.

XINGTAI,, CHINA - NOVEMBER 12: A petrol station collapses due to fall of heavy snow on November 12, 2009 in Xingtai, Hebei Province of China. Heavy snow continues to fall in most parts of north and northwest China on Thursday, leading to major disruption to public transport and transportation, including aviation and highways. Power supplies in some areas have also been affected.

A Greenpeace activist poses with a placard on November 14, 2009 in front of a petrol station in the southern French city of Nice during a demonstation to protest against the use of oil sands by French oil giant Total, notably in Canada. Environmentalists worry about the oil sands contribution to global warming and the high cost of its extraction. The placard reads in French 'Total creates sustainable destruction'.

LONDON - NOVEMBER 18: A hybrid petrol electric vehicle is charged in a special parking bay on November 18, 2009 in London. As world leaders prepare to gather for the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December, the resolve of the industrial nations seems to be weakening with President Obama stating that it would be impossible to reach a binding deal at the summit. Climate campaigners are concerned that this disappointing announcement is a backward step ahead of the summit.

A man rests on a signboard at a flooded petrol station in Dagupan City, in the northern Philippine province of Pangasinan on October 10, 2009. Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Parma have receded in much of the northern Philippines but the toll rose to 299 confirmed dead in landslides and flooding, officials said. This brings the death toll from two weeks of killer storms to at least 636 Tith about 301,000 still crammed into makeshift evacuation centres since tropical Storm Ketsana struck two weeks ago, the civil defence office said.

An employee of a gas station looks at a petrol pump knocked down by Hurricane Jimena, in Puerto San Carlos, Baja California state, Mexico, on September 2, 2009. Jimena crashed Wednesday into Mexico's Baja California, forcing thousands to seek emergency shelter as it buffeted islands off the coast with high winds and heavy rain.

A police officer fills his car up at a local petrol station in central Baghdad, on September 07, 2009. One litter of gas costs 450 Iraqi dinars (0.50 US cent). The Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko is currently on a visit to Baghdad to discuss energy issues.

BMW India President Peter Kronschnabl poses in the BMW Z4 displayed at the Indian Couture Fashion Week in Mumbai on October 12, 2009. The new BMW Z4 will be available in the petrol variant across India at an ex-showroom price of INR 5,900,000 (129,900 USD).

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: A beachgoer walks past a Petrol Pump sculpture on Tamarama Beach as part of the Sculptures By The Sea outdoor art exhibition on November 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 13th annual exhibition which ends this weekend has seen over 500,00 visitors along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk to view over 100 pieces from artists all over the world.

A Greenpeace activist holds a placard on November 14, 2009 in front of a petrol station in the southern French city of Nice during a demonstation to protest against the use of oil sands by French oil giant Total, notably in Canada. Environmentalists worry about the oil sands contribution to global warming and the high cost of its extraction. The placard reads in French 'Total creates sustainable destruction'.

Greenpeace activists show pictures and banners on November 14, 2009 in front of a petrol station in the southern French city of Nice during a demonstation to protest against the use of oil sands by French oil giant Total, notably in Canada. Environmentalists worry about the oil sands contribution to global warming and the high cost of its extraction. The placard (R) reads in French: 'Total creates sustainable destruction'.

LONDON - NOVEMBER 18: A hybrid petrol electric vehicle is charged in a special parking bay on November 18, 2009 in London. As world leaders prepare to gather for the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December, the resolve of the industrial nations seems to be weakening with President Obama stating that it would be impossible to reach a binding deal at the summit. Climate campaigners are concerned that this disappointing announcement is a backward step ahead of the summit.

A police officer fills his car up at a local petrol station in central Baghdad, on September 07, 2009. One litter of gas costs 450 Iraqi dinars (0.50 US cent). The Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko is currently on a visit to Baghdad to discuss energy issues.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 10: A beachgoer walks past a Petrol Pump sculpture on Tamarama Beach as part of the Sculptures By The Sea outdoor art exhibition on November 10, 2009 in Sydney, Australia. The 13th annual exhibition which ends this weekend has seen over 500,00 visitors along the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk to view over 100 pieces from artists all over the world.

A gasoline attendant fills up a truck at a gasoline station in Quezon City, suburban Manila on November 16, 2009. Philippine President Gloria Arroyo signed an order lifting price controls on oil products she had imposed last month in the wake of devastating storms, her office said. The move came days after oil companies warned of a supply shortage of petrol because they were selling at a loss.

A police officer fills his car up at a local petrol station in central Baghdad, on September 07, 2009. One litter of gas costs 450 Iraqi dinars (0.50 US cent). The Russian Energy Minister Sergey Shmatko is currently on a visit to Baghdad to discuss energy issues.