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World Business Report

BBC World Service

The latest business and finance news from around the world, on the BBC.

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26:28

Jet fuel warning in Europe

World Business Report ·

2026/04/16

The head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol says the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger what he calls the largest energy crisis the world has ever faced. He's warned Europe may have as little as six weeks of jet fuel left. It comes as airlines across the world struggle with fuel supplies and cost. Airlines in Nigeria are warning they may suspend flights from Monday over soaring jet fuel prices and South Korean Airlines say they will impose the highest level of surcharges they

8:55

Could Europe have ‘maybe 6 weeks of jet fuel left’?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/16

That’s a warning from the International Energy Agency boss, Fatih Birol as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies. So what could that mean for airlines and travel?Plus, how did China’s economy grow by 5%, faster than expected despite the Iran war?And Australia’s fuel supplies face added pressure after a major fire at one of the country’s two oil refineries.

26:26

Trump threatens to fire Fed chairman

World Business Report ·

2026/04/15

President Trump has threatened to fire US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell if he does not step aside next month, raising concerns over central bank independence and market uncertainty. Pakistan remains involved in diplomatic efforts over the US, Israel and Iran conflict, as questions grow over whether this could bring any economic benefit amid domestic pressure. And travellers across several European airports are facing long delays due to the EU’s new entry and exit system, with some missing

8:56

Pressure on US to ease global economic pain

World Business Report ·

2026/04/15

World finance ministers meeting in Washington have been voicing their anger and frustration at the US because of the financial strains being placed on the global economy caused by its military offensive in the Middle East. Rachel Reeves from the UK described the US-Israeli war with Iran as 'folly' while France's finance minister Roland Lescure called for renewed efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The calls come as Iran's military widens its threats on shipping the Gulf to include the Red Sea

26:28

IMF warns conflict could tip global economy into...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/14

With the Global recession warning from the International Monetary Fund, Andrew Peach looks at rising oil, gas and food prices, and how they could force central banks to keep interest rates higher for longer.Also, European airlines call for emergency support as the conflict disrupts aviation.And we ask whether America’s tipping culture improves service or simply keeps wages low.(Photo: People walk in front of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) HQ2 building in Washington, DC, USA, 13 April 2026.

8:58

IMF warns of global recession

World Business Report ·

2026/04/14

In its World Economic Outlook report the International Monetary Fund says that, in a worst case scenario - where oil, gas and food prices spike and remain high this year and next - global growth could fall below 2% in 2026. That's if the US-Israel war with Iran continues and high energy prices persist. It said the most severe conditions that could lead to a worldwide slowdown would include oil prices reaching an average $110 per barrel this year and hitting $125 in 2027. Based on these assumptions,

26:10

Trump’s shipping blockade, the Philippines’ tax...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/13

As President Trump blocks ships travelling to and from Iran through the Strait of Hormuz, how will this affect Iranian oil exports?The Philippines has suspended taxes on paraffin and cooking gas to help keep food prices low; we hear from a chef who tells us how this will impact his restaurant business.With Victor Orban ousted, what does the future hold for Hungary under newly-elected Peter Magyar’s leadership?And, Bollywood icon, Asha Bhosle has died leaving behind an over $20 million empire of

8:54

US blockade begins on Strait of Hormuz

World Business Report ·

2026/04/13

The US has begun its blockade of the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement. President Donald Trump says it's in response to Iran "knowingly failing" to reopen the strait. Iran says the blockade is illegal and has accused the US of piracy. It's estimated that around 800 vessels are stuck in the Straits, many loaded with cargo. As the blockade begins we look at what guidance is being offered to shipping companies shipping companies.As the people of

26:01

Inheritance: Samsung Episode 1

World Business Report ·

2026/04/12

From a fruit and vegetable store to a global empire, Samsung’s story is more than business - it’s an epic family saga. Behind the success lies a dynasty driven by ambition, wealth, tradition and rivalries, where power struggles shaped not just the company but South Korea’s economy.Everyone’s heard of Samsung; more than a billion people have one of their smart phones. This is the drama behind the tech giant that changed the world.For most of Samsung’s history, the ruling Lee family was all but

26:26

Why is the world watching Hungary’s general election?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/10

After a 16-year rule, the nationalist prime minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, faces the opposing leader Peter Magyar in Sunday’s election.Leanna Byrne will hear from a restaurant owner and a recruitment firm boss in Budapest. Also, why is the Iran war affecting the price of glass bottles? Varun Gupta, the Director of Triveni Pattern Glass Pvt. Ltd. in India explains. And one of the most famous cricket grounds in London has come up with what it calls the ultimate home-working experience this

8:56

Fuel protests cause disruption on Ireland's roads

World Business Report ·

2026/04/10

The Strait of Hormuz remains almost shut to shipping, hurting economies around the world. In Ireland farmers and lorry drivers have been protesting high fuel costs. Plus, we hear from the owner of a hospitality business in the Middle East. And South Korean boyband BTS are back on tour.

26:26

Is the ceasefire in the Gulf too late to stop food...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/09

Although the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States still holds, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, driving up fuel and fertiliser costs and leaving farmers in many parts of the world facing higher prices just as they head into the planting season.What does that mean for the price of food in your shopping basket? Sam Fenwick hears from Maximo Torero, chief economist at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. Also, the ceasefire was meant to reopen

8:58

First Iranian oil for India in seven years

World Business Report ·

2026/04/09

For the first time in seven years, India has bought its first cargo of Iranian oil. India hasn't purchased any Iranian oil since 2019 because of US sanctions, but those restrictions were waived last month. Leanna hears from the BBC's Archana Shukla. Plus, its a big day for K-pop fans right across the globe as BTS, one of the world's biggest boy bands, have officially kicked off their new tour. Leanna Byrne hears from journalist Nemo Kim based in Seoul.

26:25

Shipping companies still reluctant to pass through...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/08

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, an important global waterway, is part of the ceasefire agreement, as announced by the US government, but late on Wednesday, Iran warned that ships crossing the waterway without permission would be “targeted and destroyed”.Sam Fenwick will hear from Nils Haupt, the Head of Corporate Communications at Hapag-Lloyd, a German-based global shipping company. Also, markets rallied, and oil prices fell, but only hours later there were concerns about how long it might last

8:56

What the US-Iran ceasefire means for oil prices,...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/08

The US and Iran have come to a temporary ceasefire, but for many businesses and consumers, the pressure may be far from over.Hundreds of ships are still backed up in the Strait of Hormuz, with many waiting for clearance from Iran before they can move.Plus, what it means for flights, holidays and passenger confidence as airlines proceed cautiously.Presenter: Leanna ByrneProducer: Matt Lines Editor: Justin Bones

26:26

Trump's Hormuz deadline looms

World Business Report ·

2026/04/07

A countdown is underway as President Trump says 'a whole civilisation will die tonight' in Iran without a deal to fully re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, we return to Cambodia's scam centres with a rare visit inside. And is Universal Music which is home to Taylor Swift, about to be sold?(Picture: Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani speaking during a United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, USA, 07 April 2026. Credit:SARAH

8:44

Ten days of Ukrainian drone strikes reduce Russia's...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/07

Over several days, Ukrainian drones have repeatedly struck oil export facilites in Primorsk and Ust-Luga in the Baltic Sea, and Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. Seaborne exports of Russian crude oil have been reduced as a result. Troubled airline Air India is on the lookout for a new CEO after Campbell Wilson announces he's stepping down as chief executive. And a US hedge fund has launched a takeover bid for the world's biggest music company, Universal Music Group.

26:27

Trump gives Iran threatening deadline to reopen the...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/06

United States President Donald Trump said the US will target civilian infrastructure if Iran doesn't open the Strait of Hormuz. He has given Iran a deadline of tomorrow to reopen the passage. But what happens if that deadline passes? And why are some vessels already allowed to pass through?Meanwhile, new shipping routes are opening in the Arctic. We hear why the United States is investing in a new fleet of icebreakers.Plus, a new Super Mario movie has become a box office success, despite early

8:55

Japan hints at talks with Iran as Middle East tension...

World Business Report ·

2026/04/06

Japan relies on the Middle East region for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports. Most of these imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed. Amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, the United States has ordered a new fleet of icebreakers that will be built in Finland. And the Super Mario Galaxy film opened this weekend in the US. Despte poor reviews, audiences have been flocking to see it.

26:27

Is the Strait of Hormuz opening up again?

World Business Report ·

2026/04/03

After weeks of disruption in the Middle East, ships are starting to move again through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global trade and fuel supplies. But it’s still a fragile return, and the risks remain high for companies and crews.We’ll hear how the conflict is affecting seafarers, with thousands stranded or unable to get to work, and what that says about the wider impact on global shipping.We’ll also look at the knock-on effects for trade, with millions of kilograms of tea stuck in Kenya

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