Tip of the month

My tip this month is JKX Oil & Gas for three good reasons that should see its share price hit 250p this year. First, annual arguments are underway over the rise in price for gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine. JKX, a non-state supplier and producer in Ukraine, has been a key beneficiary of Russia's decision to force its neighbour to pay European market rates.

The dispute allows the company to charge more. The supply price agreed between the two nations will be high in view of Ukrainian support for Georgia during the conflict with Russia last year.

Second, Russia is calling on Ukraine to pay market rates for gas immediately, in contrast to the understanding that European prices would be charged until 2012.

And third, Russia should secure a price much higher than western forecasters were expecting, which will lift the JKX share price.

Buy JKX at 202p with a 20 per cent trailing stop/loss to protect yourself against any stockmarket fallbacks.

Stockmarket and alternative investments can fall as well as rise in value. Readers should consult their own professional advisers.