PODCAST

World Business Report

BBC World Service

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

buisness business news

All Episodes

8:47

"Work from home and limit flights", urges IEA, as...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/20

The International Energy Agency wants people to cut their energy consumption. The IEA warned that the impact from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz would “become more and more severe”. And the South Korean boyband BTS are back after an interruption for its members to do national service. They've also released a new album and announced a world tour.

26:24

Shockwaves hit energy market as gas price soars

World Business Report ·

2026/03/19

Global energy security is facing one of its most serious tests in years. Two of the world’s most important gas production sites, Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub and Iran’s South Pars facility, have been hit in coordinated missile strikes. Ras Laffan alone supplies around a fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas, and the damage is reported to be extensive. What does this mean for the global gas supply? Vishala Sri-Pathma has the latest.The war in Iran could result in a 0.5% decline in global goods

8:56

Gas prices soar after strikes on energy facilities in...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/19

Gas prices rise sharply following an attack on Qatar's Ras Laffan energy complex. QatarEnergy has confirmed "extensive damage" to the plant used to convert natural gas into LPG. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has hit some Asian countries particularly hard because of their dependence on energy supplies from the Middle East. We hear from people in the Philippines and Morocco about how they're coping with rising fuel prices.

26:27

How important is the South Pars field to global gas...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/18

With coordinated strikes on Iran's installations on the world's largest gas field and reprisals against facilities in Qatar, we ask what this means for the region and for supplies of gas worldwide.Conflict in the Middle East has already had an effect on airlines, with some carriers cancelling flights. We take a look at how an airlines pay for their fuel and why this can make a difference to how resilient they are to oil price shocks. And entertainment and theme part giant Disney has a new CEO. We

8:56

Oil shock spreads global strain

World Business Report ·

2026/03/18

Oil prices have jumped above 109 dollars a barrel after airstrikes hit Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest natural gas reserve, shared with Qatar, raising fresh concerns about supply during an already volatile period. In Bangladesh, the impact of the oil price is becoming increasingly visible. The country, which relies on imports for around 95 percent of its energy, is seeing long queues at fuel stations as fears of shortages grow. The government has even shut down universities in an

26:27

As oil price surges, will US fracking production...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/17

The US Israel war with Iran has caused significant disruption to the global supply of oil and caused major economic upheaval. The US government has granted permission to domestic oil producers to drill in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico, but much of America's oil comes from fracking. So will the frackers be taking advantage of current high oil prices to increase production? Vishala Sri-Pathma has the latest.In Sri Lanka, the government has announced an emergency shift to a four day work week to

8:56

Oil prices continue surge

World Business Report ·

2026/03/17

The escalation in the Middle East is continuing to drive up energy prices, with the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, effectively closed. We bring you the latest on oil prices and how wider stock markets are responding.Despite higher prices, US oil production is not accelerating as some might expect. The number of active rigs remains below last year’s levels, and investment in new drilling is expected to stay modest into 2026.At the same time, political tensions are

26:26

Global financial fraud hits $442bn

World Business Report ·

2026/03/16

A report out from Interpol states that an estimated $442bn dollars were lost worldwide last year to financial fraud. In its annual report, Interpol said AI-enhanced fraud was now almost five times more profitable than traditional methods, with AI systems able to autonomously plan and execute complete fraud campaigns. Vishala Sri-Pathma finds out more. China sets its lowest growth target in decades. The focus appears to be shifting from rapid expansion to stability in an increasingly uncertain global

8:56

Oil tensions and global trade risks

World Business Report ·

2026/03/16

Global energy markets remain jittery after a drone strike at the UAE’s Port of Fujairah forced a temporary halt in oil loading, raising concerns about the vulnerability of key Gulf export routes even as the Strait of Hormuz stays mostly closed. Meanwhile, the White House is seeking to assemble an international naval coalition to escort ships through the strait.In Japan, the nation’s once-ubiquitous vending machines are in decline, with numbers down 23% since their 1985 peak of 2.2 million.

26:27

Turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz sees oil price surge...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/13

Brent crude, the international benchmark for crude oil, rose to settle at $103 a barrel, ending the day at the highest level in more than three years.That’s as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most shipping, choking off one of the world’s most important energy routes. It leaves the oil market facing what analysts say could be the biggest supply disruption in its history, with no clear end in sight. Meanwhile, across Africa, the surge in oil prices triggered by the US Israel war

8:56

US eases Russias oil sanctions

World Business Report ·

2026/03/13

The US has loosened sanctions on other countries buying Russian oil we'll be talking about if those measures are enough to keep a lid on energy prices. And the smart toys struggling with toddlers emotions, why researchers are raising concerns on those. Presenter: Sarah Rogers Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Stephen Ryan

26:31

Can a Temporary US Shipping Rule Ease Fuel Costs?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/12

The US is considering temporarily waiving the Jones Act, a century-old law from 1920 that normally requires all goods shipped between US ports to travel on US-built, owned, and flagged vessels. The waiver would allow foreign ships to move fuel between domestic ports for 30 days to help curb rising costs.Meanwhile, the war with Iran has already cost the US at least $11.3 billion in its first week, with global energy markets feeling the ripple effects and consumers facing higher prices.

26:31

Can a temporary US shipping rule ease fuel costs?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/12

The US is considering temporarily waiving the Jones Act, a century-old law from 1920 that normally requires all goods shipped between US ports to travel on US-built, owned, and flagged vessels. The waiver would allow foreign ships to move fuel between domestic ports for 30 days to help curb rising costs. Meanwhile, the war with Iran has already cost the US at least $11.3 billion in its first week, with global energy markets feeling the ripple effects and consumers facing higher prices.(Picture: An

8:55

Shipping workers all at sea

World Business Report ·

2026/03/12

As the Strait of Hormuz remains shut what is being done to keep seafarers safe?

26:18

Could a $20 billion dollar insurance scheme get more...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/11

A $20 billion push is now on to get tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Middle East tourism suffers as flights are cancelled, and skies remain closed. And how tens of thousands of people are kidnapped for ransom each year.(Picture: An LPG gas tanker at anchor in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Shinas, Oman, March 11, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

8:56

'Largest ever' oil reserve release agreed by 32...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/11

The International Energy Agency is proposing the release of emergency oil reserves to calm energy markets. Also, World Business Express finds out why diesel prices are rising faster than petrol/gasoline. And Leanna Byrne looks at February's US inflation data.

27:35

What is needed to steady volatile oil markets?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/10

The International Energy Agency is meeting in Paris to discuss the release of strategic oil reserves in a bid to bolster supplies and calm energy markets as the US-Israel war with Iran ends the 11th day. Sam Fenwick hears from the former head of oil industry and markets at IEA, Neil Atkinson.(Picture: A person pumps gas at a Shell gas station in Alexandria, Virginia, USA, 05 October 2022. Credit: MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

8:57

Energy price shock as US-Israel war on Iran continues

World Business Report ·

2026/03/10

The world's biggest producer of crude oil, the Saudi firm Aramco, has warned of "catastrophic consequences" if the Straits of Hormuz is blocked for an extended period of time. But as war rages in the middle east, and attacks on shipping severely reduce the transportation of oil and gas, Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline has emerged as a critical piece of infrastructure in the global energy system.The CEO of Maersk speaks about the shipping industry's response to US/Israel war on Iran. And

26:50

Oil prices ease as Trump says Iran war over “pretty...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/09

President Donald Trump’s announcement comes hours after G7 finance ministers said they were ready to use strategic oil reserves if necessary. Also, Anthropic sues the US government for calling it a risk. And we mark 250 years since the publication of Adam Smith’s iconic economics book, The Wealth of Nations.(Picture: Motorists queue at a gas station in Skopje, North Macedonia, 09 March 2026. After the Regulatory Commission announced an increase in petrol and diesel prices at gas stations, people

8:51

Bangladesh rations fuel to private motorists

World Business Report ·

2026/03/09

Bangladesh starts rationing fuel for private motorists. It's a result of the rapid rise in oil prices as a result of the US/Israel war on Iran. And Nepal has a elected a new government, six months after the previous administration was toppled by Gen Z protests. Leanna Byrne hears from Nepal.

1,113 results

World Business Report

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

World Business Report

BBC World Service

JobCatcher

JobCatcher

Real Estatepreneurs

Podone