As Russia faces setbacks in Ukraine, analysts fear Vladimir Putin may escalate the conflict rather than capitulate. Potential reactions range from cyberattacks and sabotage to nuclear threats, as Ukraine gains ground and Russian influence campaigns expand.
India's petroleum ministry is monitoring fuel supplies amid panic buying and shortages at petrol pumps in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. Officials cite a surge in demand and logistical issues, not a lack of stock, for the dryouts. Fuel prices have been raised for the fourth time in two weeks.
Panic buying of bridal jewellery has started in India after PM Modi's call for austerity measures, with jewellers reporting a 15-20% increase in sales due to fears of higher import duties or GST on gold.
The Indian government has assured citizens of uninterrupted fuel supplies, citing adequate reserves and fiscal measures to mitigate the impact of rising global crude prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Despite global energy supply strains due to Middle East conflict, India's government assures robust domestic fertilizer availability, exceeding current requirements. Commercial LPG allocations have also increased, with officials confirming sufficient supplies and no distributor dry-outs, even as panic buying is reported.
France is experiencing fuel shortages at hundreds of gas stations after price caps led to a surge in demand. The Energy Ministry attributes this to logistical issues, while reports link it to the global energy shock caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has also driven diesel prices to record highs.
