The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has warned fuel retailers for failing to pass on wholesale price drops quickly and for non-compliance with the government's Fuel Finder scheme. Retailer profit margins remain at historically high levels.
Thailand's Bangchak Corporation acquired Chevron Hong Kong, including 31 Caltex petrol stations, for HK$2.1 billion (US$270 million). The deal serves as Bangchak's entry into North Asia, with Caltex branding maintained under a licensing agreement with Chevron.
A YouGov survey found nearly half of UK adults find it hard to access emergency contraception on Sundays, and two-thirds after 10 pm. The College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare advocates reclassifying the 'morning-after pill' for direct sale in shops.
Polish PM Donald Tusk cautioned against a political conflict with Ukraine, calling it a strategic mistake. This follows Poland revoking Zelenskyy's top honor after he supported renaming a unit after nationalists who massacred Poles in WWII. Meanwhile, Ukraine's attacks on Russian fuel supplies in Crimea have led to civilian gas sales suspension.
Crimea has banned nighttime rides on mopeds, quad bikes, and motorcycles, citing their noise resemblance to drone attacks and alleging children are deliberately involved. Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on the peninsula, impacting supply routes and fuel availability. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone hit a Moscow refinery, halting operations, and Russia's strikes killed at least eight people across Ukraine.
The German government's response to the oil price shock caused by the war on Iran has sparked criticism for prioritizing fossil fuel subsidies over renewable energy goals, revealing a disconnect between Berlin and Brussels.
Prices at the pump have leapt since the start of the conflict – but clinging to fossil fuels will only prolong the painThe car is perhaps the closest thing Germany has to a national symbol. For this reason, the success of the auto industry and the happiness of motorists has long been a barometer for the standing of the Federal Republic.Since the beginning of the war on Iran, German news has been filled with stories about drivers. Journalists have filed breathless dispatches from petrol stations all over the country, reporting scenes of anger and frustration at the hike in fuel prices.Tania Roettger is a journalist based in Berlin Continue reading...
One year ago, Spain and Portugal experienced Europe's first major 'system black' event in recent memory, causing widespread disruption across infrastructure. Initial media reports blamed renewables, but ENTSO-E's final report identified voltage governance failures as the cause. Despite criticism, Spain has accelerated its renewable transition, adding 13.8 GW of new solar in 2025 – a record year. Spain's March 2026 electricity prices (€43/MWh) are now the third lowest in Europe, protecting consumers from gas price spikes that have otherwise gripped the continent.
