Optiver Holding Allegedly Manipulated Energy Market, CFTC Says (Tina Seeley)

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July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Optiver Holding BV allegedly manipulated and attempted to manipulate energy markets on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission said.

``Although this alleged energy trading scheme lasted only several days in March 2007, even short-term distortions of prices will not be tolerated by the commission,'' Walter Lukken, acting CFTC chairman, said today in Washington.

The commission took what it called the ``extraordinary step'' earlier this year of publicly stating it had begun a nationwide investigation last December into trading, transportation, storage and purchase of crude oil.

The commission has come under pressure from lawmakers to police markets in the wake of record energy prices. The Senate is currently considering legislation to curb speculation in energy markets and expand the commission's authority and staffing.