VOA常速英语2008年-US Pain from Record High Oil Prices Widespread

By Mil Arcega
Washington
14 March 2008
 

Oil futures¹ are again breaking records after surpassing $110 a barrel on March 13 in New York.  Despite evidence to suggest that high fuel prices are not justified² -- weakening demand and growing supplies have been unable to stop skyrocketing prices.  With gasoline prices expected to rise even more in the next few months, consumers are starting to lose patience.  And as VOA's Mil Arcega reports, it is not just average motorists who are hurting.

 

1 futures   

n.期货，期货交易

参考例句：

• He continued his operations in cotton futures.他继续进行棉花期货交易。
• Cotton futures are selling at high prices.棉花期货交易的卖价是很高的。

2 justified   

a.正当的，有理的

参考例句：

• She felt fully justified in asking for her money back. 她认为有充分的理由要求退款。
• The prisoner has certainly justified his claims by his actions. 那个囚犯确实已用自己的行动表明他的要求是正当的。