Business daily

European airlines could run out of jet fuel in six weeks' time. That's the stark warning from the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, who says passengers should expect fewer flights and higher prices. Carriers are already reducing their flight schedules ahead of the summer holiday season. Also in the show: European officials urge governments not to forget the Ukraine war, saying that Russia's economy cannot be allowed to benefit from the energy shock. 

A federal jury in New York finds for the plaintiffs in an antitrust lawsuit against concert giant Live Nation, which owns Ticketmaster. We take a closer look. But first: the IMF warns on mounting public debt amid a global energy crisis, and China's economy beats expectations as growth accelerates despite the Iran war.

The climate-denialist Trump administration is pushing the World Bank and International Monetary Fund to stop focusing on clean energy development projects. We take a closer look. But first: Russia vows to make up for any shortfall in Chinese oil supplies due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, and crude prices fall on hopes of renewed peace talks.   

Amid uncertainty around the war in Iran, the International Monetary Fund downgraded its outlook for the global economy under three different scenarios depending on how long the conflict would last.  Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme is warning that even if hostilities were to end today, the war could push more than 32 million people around the world into poverty by a 'triple shock' of energy disruption, food price increases and weaker economic growth.  

China's exports grew only 2.5% in March from a year earlier, a significantly slowdown caused by the war in Iran. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up the cost of materials, and many Chinese factories saw their profits squeezed last month. Also in this edition: hundreds of Hollywood stars have come out in opposition to the acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery by Paramount. Plus, the man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at the home of OpenAI's CEO is facing attempted murder charges.

The Iran war has exposed the vulnerabilities of countries reliant on Middle Eastern fossil fuels. Ramon Mendez, former Uruguayan energy secretary and president of REN21, tells FRANCE 24 that a drastic shift to renewable energy is possible with the right strategy in place, and that other nations can follow in Uruguay's footsteps. The South American country now gets 98 percent of its electricity from low-carbon sources. 

US crude oil prices surged nearly 8%, reaching US$104 per barrel, as concerns grow over a potential US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. In March, Iran exported around 1.85 million barrels of crude per day through the strait. Meanwhile, Hungarians are eyeing a new economic future as Peter Magyar promises reforms to tackle corruption.

The war in Iran has sent fuel costs soaring, leaving consumers scrambling for savings. At the New York Auto Show, many drivers are warming to the idea of switching to electric vehicles as petrol prices climb, as our correspondent Jessica Le Masurier reports. Also, a relief rally loses momentum as the fragile Iran ceasefire enters its second day, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warns of a “historic decline” in international development aid, driven largely by the United States.

Crude oil prices rose again on Thursday as the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump and Iran shows signs of fragility. In this edition, we speak with Ilian Mihov, Professor of Economics at INSEAD, about whether the war and the resulting oil shock could trigger a global recession. He explains that supply shortages can affect economic activity more than price hikes and outlines the delicate calculations central banks will have to make.

Oil prices have plunged and stock markets soared after the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. But regardless of whether the deal holds, the energy crisis unleashed by the war is far from over. Damage to infrastructure in the region means it could take years for oil and gas production to get back to pre-war levels. Meanwhile, global aviation group IATA says supplies of jet fuel will remain tight. 

A two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran on Wednesday led to a steep drop in oil prices and a rebound in Asian and European equities. In this edition, we see what the various stakeholders are saying the deal means for the future of the Hormuz Strait through which a fifth of the world's supply of oil and natural gas transits. And we see how Pakistan's adoption of solar power has partially protected it from the energy shock left in the wake of the war.

As Donald Trump threatened to wipe out an entire civilisation in Iran ahead of his latest deadline for Tehran to open up the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar's foreign ministry official warned that the world was nearing a point beyond which the war would be out of anyone's control. Oil markets continue to be volatile amid ongoing tensions, while physical prices refiners are paying are rising to record levels with premiums on crude with earlier delivery dates surging. 

Israeli airstrikes have hit two petrochemical plants in Iran's South Pars gas field complex.  It is the second time Israel has targeted the key energy complex since the war started.  The previous attack, on March 18, triggered retaliatory strikes by Iran on energy infrastructure across the region. We look at why the gas field is so important for Iran and the world. Plus, Pakistan has offered public transport to people to cushion the impact of the Middle Eastern energy crisis. 

As crude prices hover around the $110 per barrel mark on Monday morning, consumers worldwide are feeling the impact of the war in Iran and the closure of the Hormuz Strait when they head to the petrol pump. In China, where more than half of new car sales are for electric vehicles, that impact may be less pronounced, as France 24's Bryan Quinn explains in his report. Also in this edition, "Super Mario Galaxy Movie" has achieved the best opening release of the year so far.

It has been a year since US President Donald Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs, reshaping the global trade landscape. After 12 months of upheaval and uncertainty, what is left of the so-called “Liberation Day” duties? Also in the show, soaring oil prices are driving a surge in car-pooling services in France.

Oil prices rose and stocks fell on Wednesday following US President Donald Trump's speech in which he warned he would hit Iran “extremely hard” over the next two to three weeks. Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly begun collecting tolls from ships seeking safe passage through the Hormuz Strait. We'll take a closer look at how this process is unfolding and whether it could be formalised. Also in this edition, SpaceX has filed for what could become the world's largest ever Initial Public Offering.

The average price of regular gasoline in the United States has topped $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, as the war in Iran continues to disrupt global energy supplies. Meanwhile, inflation in the eurozone rose to 2.5% in March, surpassing the European Central Bank's target amid rising energy costs. And in Egypt, shops and restaurants are being forced to close early under government-imposed energy-saving measures introduced in response to surging fuel prices.

Oil prices searched for direction on Tuesday amid conflicting events related to the Iran war. While US President Donald Trump's threats that the US would obliterate Iranian energy infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed led to an increase in prices, a later report saying Trump is seeking an end to the war brought them down. Also in this edition: inflation in France ticks up because of higher energy prices and Australia threatens legal action against social media giants.

Global oil prices have continued to surge after Yemen's Houthi rebels entered the Middle East war, launching attacks on Israeli targets. The Iran-allied militants had previously attacked commercial ships passing through Bab-el-Mandeb, a maritime chokepoint between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, during Israel's war with Hamas. The weekend events have stoked fears of wider disruption to the global energy and goods trade as the strait is crucial for shipping between Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal. 

Oil surged over $115 a barrel this Monday as the war in Iran entered its fifth week. Houthi strikes on Israel have raised concerns that shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb strait could be disrupted, adding to the supply pressure already created by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Also in this edition, we see how the conflict in the Middle East is affecting a wide range of businesses, including used car dealers in Japan and South Korea.

Concern that the Iran war could plunge the world into stagflation is rising as hostilities in the Middle East continue with no end in sight. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)'s chief economist Beata Javorcik tells FRANCE 24's Yuka Royer that while the world is not yet seeing high stagflation risks, everything depends on how long the conflict will last. Ongoing high energy prices will lead to higher inflation, which will in turn hurt growth. 

Elon Musk's profitable rocket and satellite internet company SpaceX is reportedly preparing to raise $75 billion on public equity markets as its subsidiary xAI burns cash. But first: a pair of US court verdicts against social media giants could signal the sector's Big Tobacco moment, and France's finance minister convenes G7 officials to address the economic fallout from the Iran war. 

France's Finance Minister Roland Lescure revealed on Wednesday that between 30 and 40 per cent of Gulf refining capacity has been damaged or destroyed by Iran's retaliatory strikes, leaving a shortage of 11 million barrels a day on global oil markets. Lescure warned it could take up to three years to restore damaged facilities, and several months to restart those that were urgently shut down.

The energy crisis over the Iran war has left some countries glad they've added more renewables, while others are doubling down on fossil fuels. But first: oil prices fall on hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East, while suspicions swirl over potential insider trading on Trump administration policies.

Oil prices rose again on Tuesday, a day after a sharp decline, amid confusion over which way the Iran war is going. Brent crude settled well above $100 a barrel. Meanwhile, rising energy costs stemming from the conflict are causing the cost of plastic packaging to skyrocket, which in turn will make everything on supermarket shelves more expensive. But first: the EU and Australia have sealed a landmark free trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs on most goods. 

The EU and Australia have signed a sweeping free trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs on nearly all trade between them as global economies seek to hedge against chaotic US tariff policies. Also in this edition: crude oil prices rise again as traders remain sceptical of signals that Washington is trying to de-escalate its war with Iran.  

Global crude oil prices fell about 10% and Wall Street stocks rallied after Donald Trump said he was holding off military strikes on Iran's power plants following "constructive talks" with Tehran, despite Iran denying it was negotiating a deal. Meanwhile, France is looking at the possibility of increasing the country's refining capacity to cushion the impact of higher petrol prices on consumers, but is stopping short of cutting fuel taxes. 

Natural gas prices soared as attacks intensified on energy infrastructure in the Middle East. The Ras Laffan plant in Qatar has sustained "significant damage", according to its operators, which could take years to fully repair. That will have a significant impact on global supplies, because the facility produces around a fifth of the world's LNG (liquefied natural gas). Also in the show: the World Trade Organization warns a trade slowdown could lead to mounting food insecurity.  

Strikes on the natural gas production facilities of Iran and Qatar have sent energy prices soaring, with central bankers around the world struggling to set monetary policy amid a highly uncertain inflationary outlook. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: the French shipbuilding industry welcomes the start of construction of the country's next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The Trump administration is taking steps to curb rising energy costs, as it continues to wage war in the Middle East. The US is easing sanctions on Venezuela, and suspending a century-old shipping law, in an effort to get more oil supplies into the global market. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to rise, with crude topping $109 per barrel, as Gulf energy infrastructure is targeted by strikes. Also in the show: the UN's maritime agency seeks safe passage for sailors trapped by the conflict. 

The long-awaited return to the stage of K-pop sensation BTS is set to boost South Korea's tourism and consumer economy. Our regional correspondents report. But first: the war in Iran upends the spring travel season for airlines and passengers alike, and investors await the latest rate call from the US Federal Reserve.

Two Indian-flagged tankers together carrying over 92,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas have arrived at ports in Gujarat state after safely passing through the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi has been negotiating with Iran, but the government denies discussing the possible release of Iranian tankers it seized in February as part of the bargain. Meanwhile, global crude prices jumped again amid new Iranian attacks on the UAE. 

Iran sends drones to attack the UAE port of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, raising the stakes as Gulf states send their blocked crude through pipelines away from the contested Strait of Hormuz. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: central banks face a dilemma as high oil prices threaten to both rekindle inflation and slow global growth.

Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a Pakistan-bound oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz with its transponder on. The decline came even as countries have so far rebuffed Donald Trump's request to send warships to escort vessels through the waterway. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said its members could unlock more oil from their strategic reserves after agreeing to jointly release a record 400 million barrels from their emergency stockpiles. 

New Delhi walks a policy tightrope, with public anger mounting over shortages of cooking gas as the US demands support for its war on Iran. Also in this edition: China's economy turns in stronger than expected figures, and oil prices continue to rise as Washington threatens to strike Iran's oil export infrastructure.

Brent crude has once again topped $100 a barrel as energy markets brace for the Iran conflict to drag on. US President Donald Trump says he is less concerned about high oil prices than about stopping Iran, while his energy secretary has confirmed the military cannot yet escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Also, Indian households and businesses are facing high prices and shortages of cooking fuel, linked to disruptions in the Gulf.

Oil markets fell and picked up again on Wednesday, as the International Energy Agency reportedly considers its largest-ever release of emergency crude stockpiles to stabilise global markets, while Iran is said to have laid naval mines in the Hormuz Strait. In this edition, we look at how the latest developments in the ongoing Middle East war are affecting markets.

As the Iran war continues to disrupt oil supplies from the Middle East, Paris has hosted a summit aimed at boosting the use of civilian nuclear energy. Announcing a plan to provide a €200 million guarantee for investment in innovative nuclear technologies, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it had been a strategic mistake for the continent to reduce the share of nuclear power in its energy mix.

Global benchmark prices for oil fell, and stocks rose, on the back of US President's comments signalling the war in Iran could be nearing some form of conclusion. Meanwhile, the Strait of Hormuz is still effectively closed to tanker traffic, and Washington is weighing its options both to clear the bottleneck and ease pressure on consumers back home. Also in this edition, Venezuela prepares to open up its mining sector to US companies.

Crude oil prices pulled back sharply after brushing $120 a barrel earlier on Monday. After hovering around $100 for most of the day, both Brent and WTI benchmarks reversed course following comments from Donald Trump suggesting the US-Israeli war with Iran could soon come to an end. As Gulf countries began cutting production amid a rapid decrease in available storage space, consumers have already started seeing fuel prices rise.

China's annual parliamentary session kicks off with a growth downgrade as leaders target technology dominance in the manufacturing field. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: South Korean markets bounce back from a huge selloff, and a US trade court orders the Trump administration to issue tariff refunds.

Oil prices have steadied for the first time since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran. But concerns about energy security and prices are weighing on consumers. In France, long queues have formed at petrol stations, despite the energy minister's assertion that the public shouldn't worry about shortages. Also in the show: shipping giants Maersk, Cosco and Hapag-Lloyd suspend all operations in the Gulf, and the Trump administration plans to raise global tariffs to 15 percent "sometime this week".