World Business Report

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 domestic services and flights between Australia and New Zealand. Vietnam Airlines also scrapped almost a two dozen domestic flights a week. And why shares in the Chinese toy-maker Pop Mart – who make Labubu Dolls – have tumbled more than twenty percent…their biggest drop in nearly a year.
Presenter: Sarah Rogers
Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

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 latest.
The Trump administration says it will pay the French energy giant, TotalEnergies, nearly $1bn to cancel plans to build wind farms off the US eastern coast. President Trump has moved to scrap sustainable energy sources and increase fossil fuel production. And dynamic ticket pricing is back in the news. A group representing football fans have filed a complaint against FIFA at the European Commission for ‘abusing its monopoly position’ in ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup. FIFA says it's focused on ensuring fair access to matches.

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 shock waves through global energy markets, causing soaring prices and shortages.
Meanwhile Slovenia has become the first EU member state to implement fuel as many countries experience steep hikes in fuel prices. In Slovenia, this has resulted in so-called "fuel tourism", as drivers from neighbouring countries, particularly Austria, take advantage of the lower, regulated prices here. Under the new measures, private motorists in Slovenia will be restricted to a maximum purchase of 50 litres of fuel per day. Businesses and farmers have a more generous allowance of 200 litres.

And after eight years of negotiation, the EU and Australia have signed new trade deal that will remove the vast majority of tariffs for both markets.
As a result European shoppers could soon see more Australian beef on the shelves and the EU will be able to sell more cars, chemicals and steel in Australia.

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 than 10 million people lost power to their homes after their national grid collapsed. Will Bain looks at the future of the Caribbean island.
And Leonid Radvinsky, who founded OnlyFans has died. We discuss how this platform provides much more than just adult content.

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.