There are no 'stockpiles' at the moment. Reserves of oil are built up during the winter months to cope with the heavier demand of the summer. The reserves are currently the lowest they have been during the past 25 years. There is insufficient supply to meet demand this summer. China has apparently become the highest consumer of oil and they are prepared to pay a higher price - consequently the price has risen and will continue to do so as long as the Chinese pay the going rate. I predict gas will rise in price by a further 25% by the end of 2004.