I am trying to find historical prices on oil by the barrel. I don't want an etf or energy index. Can anyone suggest a source of free info?
http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/weekly_petroleum_status_report/wpsr.html Tables 13, 14 or 16 should provide the historical data you are looking for depending on whether you want spot prices in various locations or NYMEX futures prices...
http://futuresource.quote.com/charts/charts.jsp?s=%CL&o=&a=M&z=800x550&d=HIGH&b=bar&st= A monthly of the NYMEX since inception