The price of Oman Crude Oil Financial Contract, DME Oman, for February delivery closed at US$53.44 a barrel at Dubai Mercantile Exchange at 12:30 p.m., Dubai time.

DME Oman crude oil is a benchmark for pricing crude oil by the countries that produce it, and it gives them a differential price that reflects the quality of the product.

The Dubai Mercantile Exchange is a premier energy-focused commodities exchange, and home to the world's third crude benchmark. It is a joint venture between Dubai Holding, Oman Investment Fund and CME Group.

A number of global financial institutions and energy trading firms have equity stakes in the DME, providing the exchange with a resounding vote of confidence by major players in global energy markets.