Officials cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Petroleum Exchange Friday, Aug. 18, 2006 in Shanghai, China. China opens Friday the petroleum exchange in Shanghai, 1st oil products market for mainland.[AP]

A security guard makes a telephone call at the Shanghai Petroleum Exchange in Shanghai August 18, 2006. The new Shanghai Petroleum Exchange was launched with the sound of a gong on Friday, but traders said the market's success could hinge on whether China allows more price flexibility. [Reuters]