Oil price rises on new hope of 'fiscal cliff' resolution

12/17/2012
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK — The price of oil is rising Monday as political leaders in Washington appear closer to a resolution in critical budget negotiations.

Benchmark crude rose 73 cents to $87.46 around 10:30 a.m. in New York.

Seeking to break an impasse in budget talks, House Speaker John Boehner has offered to raise taxes on some wealthy earners — but only if President Barack Obama agrees to cuts in benefit programs.

Leaders must strike a deal soon or the country will reach the so-called “fiscal cliff,” a combination of spending cuts and tax increases that go into effect on Jan. 1.

Prices at the pump dropped 4 cents over the weekend to an average of $3.25 a gallon, the lowest level in almost a year.