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In September, Indian refiners are not expected to buy any ESPO crude from Russia because of the higher shipping rates. African and Middle East crude becomes more attractive as shipping rates on long voyages have jumped... However, with a recent surge in freight rates, Russian oil doesn't look so cheap. Moreover, the travel time from Russia's Far East, where the ESPO grade is loading for exports, is a month to India, compared to a week necessary for a Middle Eastern cargo to reach India... "On net back basis after factoring in the freight, the landed cost of ESPO is turning...

Breaking News from ABCNEWS.com: Charges Withdrawn Against Alleged U.S.S. Cole Bombing Mastermind [7:59 pm ET]

Free Republic Opinion Poll: (1/23) If it's McCain vs Hillary in the general, how do you vote? Composite Opinion McCain 37.6% 1,348 Pray 15.5% 554 Third party 12.4% 445 Write-in 12.0% 429 Stay home 11.3% 405 Undecided 4.9% 174 Leave blank 3.5% 124 Hillary 2.9% 103 100.1% 3,582 Member Opinion McCain 38.6% 696 Pray 15.8% 285 Write-in 13.8% 248 Third party 11.9% 214 Stay home 8.8% 159 Undecided 6.1% 110 Leave blank 3.4% 62 Hillary 1.5% 27 99.9% 1,801 Non-Member Opinion McCain 36.6% 652 Pray 15.1% 269 Stay home 13.8% 246 Third party 13.0% 231 Write-in 10.2% 181 Hillary...