What to make of the brief, sharp spikes of $3-5/barrel on the NYM?

Thats what Im wondering! Ive been seeing that alot the last few days...

I've been watching those spikes too and have the same question. I was wondering if these were timed automated buys at a fixed price, or if someone is trying to bump up the trade price by "pinging" the system with a step change in price. Is there any way to find out who is making these purchases? I'm not very knowledgeable about futures trading...

My data souce shows no spikes. High 57.55.