US Energy Sec says does not favor tapping SPR

CAMERON, Louisiana, April 21 (Reuters) - U.S. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman on Monday said he did not favor releasing strategic oil reserves despite record high crude prices.

Bodman added he had pushed oil cartel OPEC as far as he could in asking the group to increase production to help alleviate record high oil prices near $117 a barrel.

He said increasing regulation of speculators -- blamed by many for skyrocketing energy costs -- would not have a significant impact on oil prices. (Reporting by Bruce Nichols)