Commodity analysts at Japanese bank Nomura have warned that oil prices could perhaps strike $220 a barrel if the crisis in the Middle East continues. The market gurus compared the current situation to the 1990-1991 Gulf War, saying if Algeria and Libya were to halt oil production, prices could peak at the $220 mark. Others have given a more modest prediction of $150 if the unrest spreads. The average barrel price has surged beyond $120 in the past fortnight.