The energy complex rose higher last week supported by the strong optimism in the US oil market bolstering the demand outlook of most energy commodities. Oil prices gained 6.7% to close at $69.2/bbl amid the strength in global equities, a weaker dollar and the falling gasoline stocks. Coal prices took direction from oil and also some positive indication from the strong Chinese interest in Richards Bay coal and a drop in Indian stockpile, to push prices 3.9% higher. Carbon prices also ticked up by 2.9% on expectations that some member states would not be allocated with large amounts of additional allowance. Gas prices had some early gains but plunged significantly in the run up to the new gas year on abundance of supplies and weak demand indications from the continent. Spot power prices were very volatile last week led by the variability in wind and thermal capacities in France and Germany, while forward contracts were only marginally higher.