‘Ghadafi dead’ rumor triggers oil price decline

CNBC is reporting that oil prices “tumbled” today based upon unconfirmed rumors claiming that besieged Libyan strongman, Muammar Gaddafi, has been shot and killed. However, an anonymous, senior U.S. government official denied reports that Ghadafi’s 41-year rein has been brutally halted.

Asked if Washington had reason to believe that Gaddafi, who is seeking to crush protests against his 41-year rule in the oil-exporting North African nation, was dead, the U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “No.”