Oil prices rise to $45/b as Opec gathers in Algeria

Oil prices firmed on Tuesday in anticipation of another cut in Opec's oil production. With cartel officials gathering in Oran, Algeria, for tomorrow's summit, Brent futures for January delivery were up by $0.94 a barrel at $45.54/b at midday. The January WTI contract was $0.88/b higher at $45.39/b.