Crude oil is a large component of production costs for heating oil and gasoline, and therefore fluctuations in the price of crude oil translate to simmilar fluctuations in heating oil and gasoline prices.
The volitility of crude oil, heating oil, and gasoline are found to be highly correlated. On the other hand, crude oil is a close substitute for natural gas as an energy source, and thus crude oil price fluctuations should also affect natural gas price.
Factors behind their price volatility:
WEATHER plays an important role in the demand side of energy markets. Colder than normal temperatures in winter and hotter than normal temperatures in summer can increase natural gas demand and push up prices.
DEMAND for crude oil and heating oil peak in winter.
ECONOMIC GROWTH results in increased demand for goods and services from the
commercial and industrial sectors, generating an increase in demand for both crude oil and natural gas.
SUPPLY, OPEC decisions about production and prices, political events, storage levels, and natural events are among the determinants of energy prices.
MACROECONOMIC factors affecting energy prices inclued bilateral exchange rates, price indices, monetary aggregates, convenience yield, Treasury bill yields, equity dividend yields, and junk bond premiums.