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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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8:57

Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/30

The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels?Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Organsiation fails to reach a deal on ecommerce tariffsand we look at the growth of fast fashion in India

26:27

BYD profits fall 19%: What’s driving the decline?

World Business Report ·

2026/03/28

BYD has reported a 19% fall in annual profit, its first decline in four years, despite rising sales as price pressure in China weighs on margins. We look at what is driving the slowdow, and what it means for the wider electric vehicle industry. We also examine the increasingly competitive market for electric cars, set against a backdrop of rising global oil prices.While oil prices continue to rise, the cost of weight loss drugs could be heading in the opposite direction. And we look at how a small,

8:53

Fears of fuel shortages lead to panic buying in...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/27

As prices soar, petrol and diesel pumps are running dry at hundreds of service stations across Australia. But is the shortage caused by panic buying rather than lack of fuel? We hear from India where generic replacements for the weightloss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are bringing cheaper drugs to the local market. And Hollywood actor turned producer Eva Longoria says a Warner Bros. Discovery–Paramount mega merger will be bad news for creativity in the movie busines

26:26

Meta shares slide after landmark ruling on social...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/26

Meta shares slide after landmark ruling on social media addiction. Shares of Alphabet, Google's parent company, were also down but not as sharp as Meta stock. Jurors found that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google, owner of YouTube, intentionally built addictive social media platforms that harmed the 20-year old's mental health. We look at the numbers and find out what investors are thinking.The global energy crisis is already wreaking havoc on economies across Asia, and the

8:52

Meta and Alphabet shares fall following social media...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/26

A California jury found Meta and YouTube designed addictive products that harmed young people. The plaintiff was awarded damages of $6m; Meta to pay 70% and YouTube the remainder.Transport workers in the Philippines are on strike over the price of fuel driven by surging oil prices as the Middle East continues. The Filipino government which declared an energy state of emergency this week has introduced fuel subsidies and free bus rides for affected commuters, but protesters say the measures are not

26:26

Meta and YouTube found liable in landmark social...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/25

A Los Angeles jury has handed down an unprecedented win for a young woman who sued Meta and YouTube over her childhood addiction to social media. We hear the latest.Since the war in the Middle East erupted, attention has focused on oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Gulf is also a major producer of aluminium and helium. We look at how disruption has spread into other commodities. And it’s not just commodities and supply chains feeling the pressure. Airlines are watching oil

8:53

Asian economies feel the pain of the US-Israel war...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/25

The Asian Development Bank's Chief Economist Albert Park tells us that the conflict in the Middle East could prove 'traumatic', knocking as much as 1.3% of Asian GDP growth, depending on how long it goes on for. He believes that the countries most vulnerable include Sri Lanka, Maldives, Laos, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Meanwhile the price of jet fuel has more than doubled since the start of the war with Iran, with numerous major airlines raising their prices. Jetstar New Zealand cancelled some

26:28

From state of emergency to rationing: fuel shortages...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/24

The Philippines government has declared a state of emergency. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said fuel supply in the country is in ‘imminent danger' as prices continue to surge because of the war in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Slovenia introduces fuel rationing to stop ‘fuel tourism’ and Kenya’s flower industry is struggling with cancelled flights and disrupted sales. As Australia closes hundreds of petrol stations, many ask where this crisis is headed, and when it will end. Andrew Peach has the

8:58

The Philippines declares state of emergency over fuel...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/24

The Philippines has declared a state of national energy emergency as the conflict in the Middle East cuts fuel supplies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said he had signed an executive order to safeguard energy security amid severe disruption to global supply chains. The Philippines is highly dependent on fuel imports and particularly vulnerable to disruptions in production and shipments. The US-Israel war with Iran - and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route - has sent

26:20

Oil, outages and energy shifts: the global ripples...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/23

As the war in the Middle East continues, other regions adjust. The price of oil dropped after President Trump said discussions with Iran had taken place. Meanwhile, the Philippines, which gets most of its fuel from the Persian Gulf, has declared a four-day work week to reduce energy demand; Suranjana Tewari is in Manila with the latest. We also look at the drive towards solar energy across Sub-Saharan Africa and how this conflict could accelerate trends in the renewable energy sector. In Cuba, more

8:56

Markets rally as Trump signals progress with Iran

World Business Report ·

2026/03/23

We bring you the latest reaction after President Trump says the US has held constructive talks with Iran, even as Iran has denied any dialogue with the US. Also, South Korea has a new central bank chief, Shin Hyun-song, known for predicting the 2008 financial crisis. And Huel, the British meal replacement brand comes under new ownership.

26:27

IEA warns looming global energy crisis is worst in...

World Business Report ·

2026/03/20

The head of the International Energy Agency has told the BBC that governments need to “be more vocal” about cutting energy usage amid what he called the “greatest global energy security challenge in history”. Dr Birol is now calling on countries to cut demand suggesting lower speed limits, avoiding air travel, even restricting the use of private cars. Last week the IEA coordinated the release of 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves, which is around 20% of the total reserves. However, the

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

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