The London market managed to plot a steady course today, despite the latest rise in the price of oil.
Concern about potential fuel shortages in the wake of problems at refineries in the US was blamed for the latest hike in energy costs, which saw the price of crude oil hit almost $56 in New York.
A number of stocks were under pressure as a result, although gains for Shell and BP ensured the FTSE 100 Index stood close to its opening mark by lunchtime, ahead 3.6 points at 4852.9.