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Iran Conflict Exposes Global Dependence on Gulf Oil and Gas Supplies

The US-Israel-Iran conflict highlights global dependence on Gulf oil and gas, with Asia particularly affected by supply disruptions, rising fuel prices, and efforts to manage energy shortages amid geopolitical tensions.

5 min read

Getty Images Motorcyclists packed in a long queue a petrol station in Bangladesh

Lloyds, Bank of Scotland, Halifax Apps Expose Other Users' Transactions

Some Bank of Scotland, Lloyd's, and Halifax app users saw other customers' transactions. Lloyd's Banking Group apologized and resolved the issue quickly.

1 min read

John Lewis Restores Staff Bonus for First Time Since 2022

John Lewis will pay its staff a 2% bonus for the first time since 2022 after reporting profit growth amid a major turnaround during the pandemic.

1 min read

Getty Images Woman with a John Lewis shopping bag in the department store

Stagflation Concerns Rise as Iranian Attacks Push Oil Prices Above $100

Iran's escalating attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have pushed Brent crude above $100, raising fears of stagflation and prompting Goldman Sachs to revise oil price forecasts and delay Fed rate cuts.

3 min read

A flare stack at a chimney at the Mathura Oil Refinery.

Heating Oil Users Face Soaring Prices Amid Supply Concerns

Heating oil users in the UK face soaring prices amid supply challenges, with calls for government intervention to prevent price gouging and support vulnerable households.

3 min read

BBC A man in a black turtleneck jumper stands in his garden. Behind him is a big green plastic tank filled with heating oil.

Oil Surges Past $100 Despite Historic Release of Emergency Reserves

Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel despite a historic release of 400 million barrels from IEA reserves amid Iran tensions and supply concerns.

2 min read

Reuters A worker helps a motorcyclist top up fuel for his bike. Behind him are more than five other bikers queuing for fuel.

US Opens Trade Probe Into EU, China, India and Other Major Partners

The US has launched a Section 301 investigation into major trading partners including China, the EU, and India, following a Supreme Court ruling against Trump's tariffs. New levies could be imposed by summer as talks with China continue.

2 min read

Bloomberg via Getty Images Container ships at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, California, US, on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. President Donald Trump imposed a 10% global tariff on foreign goods, moving quickly to preserve his trade agenda after the US Supreme Court struck down many of the levies he imposed last year.

US Inflation Holds Steady in February Before Iran Conflict Impacts Energy Prices

US inflation held steady at 2.4% in February before the US-Israel conflict in Iran caused energy prices to surge, raising concerns about future inflation and Federal Reserve policy.

2 min read

Bloomberg via Getty Images A shopper carries a bag in the SoHo neighborhood of New York, US, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.

G7 Backs Major Oil Reserve Release to Ease Price Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

G7 nations back a major coordinated release of oil reserves to counter soaring prices amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, with the IEA preparing its largest market intervention despite limitations on supply impact.

2 min read

Getty Images A woman's arm and hand holding a black petrol pump and using it to fill her silver car

G7 Energy Ministers Back Strategic Oil Reserve Use Amid Middle East Crisis

G7 energy ministers back using strategic oil reserves amid Middle East tensions. UK prepared to release reserves as oil prices surge due to Iran conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz. Markets react with rising bond yields, mortgage rates, and inflation concerns.

11 min read

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves appearing before the Treasury Committee, for a hearing on the Spring Statement.

UK Mortgage Rates Surge Above 5% Amid Iran Conflict and Market Turmoil

UK mortgage rates have surged above 5%, marking the highest levels since August, as market turmoil intensifies amid the Iran conflict and rising inflation concerns.

2 min read

Getty Images Woman wearing bright red beret and red coat faces an estate agent's window advertising homes for sale

Australian Designer Katie Perry Wins Trademark Appeal Against Katy Perry

Australian designer Katie Perry wins a High Court trademark appeal against pop star Katy Perry, affirming protection for small businesses despite prior legal challenges.

3 min read