oil prices vaulted higher wednesday as weaker-than-expected stockpile figures in the united states , the world 's biggest energy consumer , prompted a renewed surge in prices .

Short summary: oil prices spike as us crude stocks flatten out


air quality in a malaysian state has plunged to unhealthy levels in recent days because of smog from forest fires in neighbouring indonesia , officials said wednesday .

Short summary: malaysia air unhealthy after indonesian forest fires


oil prices held near all-time highs friday , capping a tumultuous week of surging prices attributed to a sliding dollar and choppy world stock markets .

Short summary: oil prices hold near record highs


the united states said on friday that it is ready to help saudi arabia fight any threats from al-qaida if it receives request from the gulf country .

Short summary:
u.s. says to help saudi arabia fight terror threat if requested