Brent oil prices open today’s trading session near $115 a barrel as crude futures moved higher with stock markets yesterday, however prices could come under new pressure from a rising US dollar, as seen by strength on the ICE US Dollar Index. Latest Brent Oil Price In London, Brent crude oil futures for October 2011 delivery was trading at $114.91 a barrel, 08.35 GMT this morning on the ICE Futures Exchange. US Dollar Index The US Dollar Index, which tracks the dollar against six major world currencies was at 75.690 in trading this morning from 76.993 late Tuesday, but still remains stronger after the Swiss franc peg news affected currency markets earlier this week. Brent Oil Delays Earlier this week, Brent oil prices soared to a record trading premium above $27 a barrel over the NYMEX contract on Tuesday, following reports of delays to September cargoes of North Sea Forties crude. Maintenance work has forced delays to as many as 14 of the 24 North Sea Forties crude oil cargoes scheduled to load in September and another cargo has been dropped entirely, trade sources said last Friday. The delays follow problems at Britain’s Buzzard oilfield, operated by Canada’s Nexen, and maintenance on the BP-operated Forties pipeline. Forties shipments have been subject to delays and cancellations since May. “There are all sorts of delays. Work is dragging on longer than expected and most of the programme is affected in one way or another.” according to one trader.

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