News & Stories Business Oil 101: Why Are Prices Jumping, And What Are 'Futures'? Paddy Hirsch May 01, 2020 / 1:14 pm Demand for oil has plummeted. Prices were expected to drop, too. But speculating investors have sent oil prices on a wild ride.[Copyright 2020 NPR] Why you can trust KUOW Recommended Stories Howard Schultz moves away from Starbucks roots, trading Seattle for Miami March 11, 2026 Starbucks union pushes back against plans to close 5 Seattle stores March 10, 2026 Starbucks to relocate supply chain workers from HQ to new Nashville office March 04, 2026