President Trump has extended a critical Jones Act shipping waiver by 90 days, allowing foreign vessels to transport key goods like oil and fertilizer to the United States. The move targets rising energy costs amid international turmoil, aiming to improve fuel supply and reduce financial pressure on households.
Fuel prices in India stayed unchanged on April 24 despite global crude volatility linked to rising West Asia tensions and the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Oil marketing companies reportedly update petrol and diesel rates daily from 6 AM, using international crude benchmarks. In major cities including Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, drivers may not see any change even as shipping disruptions keep international prices under pressure.
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The petroleum ministry has rejected reports claiming petrol and diesel prices will rise by Rs 25–28 per litre. Officials called the story mischievous and misleading, pointing out that India has not seen fuel price hikes for the past four years. They said efforts continue to protect consumers from global volatility, particularly as tensions persist in the Middle East.
UK inflation climbed to 3.3% in March from 3.0% in February, driven by higher fuel prices linked to intensifying Middle East tensions. The reading came in slightly above expectations, raising concern about additional inflation pressure ahead. Even so, the Bank of England is widely expected to keep interest rates steady in the near term.
Crude oil has fallen to a four-year low, and global rates are down nearly 30% in the last quarter. Oil marketing companies are buying cheaper crude and seeing higher margins, but retail fuel prices haven’t dropped in months. The reason: taxes and duties remain high, shielding consumers from the benefits.
UK consumer inflation climbed to 3.3% in March, up from 3.0% in February, with officials pointing to the Middle East conflict’s first direct price impact. The sharpest pressure came from an 8.7% jump in motor fuel costs, while services inflation also rose to 4.5%, extending concern beyond energy into everyday expenses.
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EasyJet says the Iran war is pushing fuel costs higher, leading it to expect a bigger first-half loss. The airline also sees summer bookings slowing as customers book later and opt more for domestic travel. Even with fuel hedging, management warns that persistently high prices could still pressure fares later this year.
India’s CNG push, once marketed as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel, is losing momentum as prices climb. Where CNG used to be cheaper by ₹30–₹60 per unit, it now tracks petrol costs in several cities and can even overtake petrol elsewhere. The big question: what changed in the pricing and supply equation?
Oil and LPG supplies across Karnataka are reported to be stable, with Indian Oil Corporation saying there is no petrol or diesel shortage. Domestic LPG deliveries are improving following a March 2026 spike, while commercial LPG is being routed to essential services first. Authorities are actively checking hoarding as CNG use rises and Auto LPG demand is met.
Fuel sales across India have surged by about 13% as motorists stock up on petrol and diesel, fearing prices may rise after state polls conclude. Indian Oil Corporation reported a sharp jump in sales, while the government denied any intention to hike fuel rates. Even with assurances, panic buying continues in some areas, raising concerns about supply and pricing stability.
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Lufthansa Group says it is optimizing its summer flight schedule across six major hubs as fuel prices rise and geopolitical uncertainty linked to West Asia remains volatile. The German carrier framed the changes as a calibrated rebalancing of its network, aiming to protect operations amid cost pressures while adjusting capacity where demand and risk look different.
FY26 in India has been a double hit: nearly 290 people died in air crashes, passenger traffic growth remained muted, and India’s largest airline suffered an operational meltdown. With West Asia conflict still active and fuel prices under pressure, the next fiscal year could bring higher costs and tougher aviation conditions—especially for major carriers and the government’s oversight.
BMW India says uncertainty from rising Gulf tensions is changing what high-net-worth customers prioritize, with many postponing major purchases—especially luxury cars. With fuel prices expected to climb, buyers are increasingly weighing electric vehicles for longer-term savings. The shift signals a cautious mood among affluent consumers and a potential acceleration in EV interest.
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