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AI summaryA fire at Viva Energy's Geelong refinery, one of Australia's two working oil refineries, has reduced production to 80% capacity, prompting concerns about fuel supply amid global oil disruptions. The company has promised not to pass costs to consumers, while the government has secured additional diesel imports. The incident also highlights Australia's broader fuel and bitumen vulnerabilities.
AI summaryChina's Foreign Ministry says it is unaware of any letter exchange between Presidents Trump and Xi on Iran arms supplies, pushing back on Trump's claim. The US president said he exchanged letters with Xi and threatened 50% tariffs if China supplies weapons to Iran.
AI summaryThe US military has begun enforcing a naval blockade on all vessels entering or departing Iranian ports, aiming to halt the country's oil trade, which was valued at around $45 billion in 2025. The move follows the collapse of US-Iran peace talks. In response, Iran has proposed a new initiative through Pakistani mediators to reopen the strategic waterway, while analysts warn of potential retaliation via the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
AI summaryAs a Middle East conflict disrupts global oil markets and spikes fuel prices, Pakistani commuters are turning to electric motorcycles at record rates. This report examines the economic pressures driving this shift, the structural challenges of Pakistan's petroleum dependence, and the government's efforts to promote electric vehicles.
AI summaryKenya's energy regulator has increased fuel prices significantly, citing surging import costs and global market tensions. The rise has already impacted transport fares and raised concerns about broader economic effects, while a separate controversy over a disputed fuel shipment adds to public unease.
AI summaryA fire at Viva Energy's Geelong refinery in Victoria has disrupted petrol production, raising concerns about fuel supply and prices. The refinery supplies about 50% of Victoria's petrol and 10% of Australia's fuel. Authorities say diesel and jet fuel production continues at reduced levels, with no injuries reported.
AI summaryAs Pakistan's army chief shuttles between Tehran and Washington's interests, efforts to revive US-Iran talks gain momentum while Iran warns of expanding its response to the US naval blockade. US Central Command claims the blockade is working, but Iran says a supertanker breached the line.
AI summaryChina's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on Iran to guarantee freedom and safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as the US naval blockade and Iran's retaliatory closure of the waterway disrupt global energy supplies. The call marks Beijing's latest diplomatic effort amid a three-month-old conflict, with China also criticizing US and Israeli military actions as the root cause of the war.
AI summarySouth Korea's Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol stated that the foreign exchange market will stabilize once Middle East tensions are resolved, with the won already showing signs of recovery. He and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent agreed that excessive volatility is undesirable, while Seoul remains vigilant despite a fragile ceasefire.
AI summaryEuropean officials are reportedly developing a plan to create a 'European NATO' that would replace US assets and leadership if Washington withdraws from the alliance, according to the Wall Street Journal. The proposal, which has gained traction after Germany's support, aims to preserve nuclear deterrence and military cohesion against Russia, but faces opposition from key members.
AI summaryPakistan is intensifying its shuttle diplomacy between the US and Iran, with the army chief visiting Tehran and the prime minister touring Gulf states, as Washington expresses optimism about a second round of talks in Islamabad.
AI summaryPakistani mediators are stepping up diplomatic efforts to broker a new round of US-Iran talks, with officials expressing optimism about a potential breakthrough on Tehran's nuclear programme. A high-level delegation led by Army Chief Asim Munir has arrived in Tehran to deliver a US message and lay the groundwork for renewed negotiations as a fragile truce approaches expiry.
AI summaryIAEA chief Rafael Grossi has been named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people, highlighting his diplomatic work during the Ukraine war and Iran nuclear dispute. The Argentine diplomat is also a leading candidate to become the next UN secretary-general, having pitched a reform agenda to member states.
AI summaryThe family and legal team of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi report her health is critical after a suspected heart attack, with significant weight loss and inadequate medical care. Multiple sources confirm she is held with murder-charged inmates and has faced death threats, while her family urges urgent specialised treatment.
AI summaryAccording to Israeli security sources and media reports, Hamas is using regional instability in Lebanon and Iran to delay disarmament commitments and strengthen its hold on Gaza, including tax collection, recruitment, and control of goods. The group has reportedly rejected a US-led peace plan, and senior officials have relocated from Qatar to Turkey.
AI summaryWall Street's S&P 500 closed at a fresh all-time high on Wednesday, erasing losses from the early days of the US-Iran conflict, as investors grew optimistic about a possible de-escalation. Robust earnings expectations and comments from President Trump that the war is 'very close to over' fueled the rally.
AI summaryArgentina's state-run energy firm YPF has announced it will keep petrol prices steady for 45 days, a move that marks a departure from President Javier Milei's free-market stance as the conflict with Iran drives up energy costs. Meanwhile, inflation accelerated to 3.4% in March, and Milei's approval rating has dropped to its lowest level of his presidency.
AI summaryRussian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud held a phone conversation to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities affecting Gulf states. The talks come amid reports of US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory measures, with Pakistan emerging as a potential mediator.
AI summaryPakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded a three-day visit to Iran, part of Islamabad's efforts to mediate between the US and Iran. The visit included meetings with Iranian leadership, and Iran confirmed it is reviewing new US proposals. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about talks and praised Pakistan's role, with a ceasefire set to expire on April 22.