Even the risk of disruptions in that corridor tends to drive up crude prices rapidly. Oil traders fear that attacks on shipping or energy infrastructure could choke off supplies from major exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. 

Those fears have already pushed crude oil prices sharply higher, with Brent crude briefly hitting $119.50 per barrel and surging as high as $120, its highest level since 2022. The jump in crude has quickly begun feeding through to retail fuel prices worldwide.

According to the latest data from tracker Global Petrol Prices , the average price of gasoline worldwide stood at $1.30 per litre as of March 2 — a week ago and two days after the U.S. and Israel launched operations in Iran.

Diesel was slightly cheaper at $1.26 per litre, while LPG averaged $0.78 per litre.

“As a general rule, richer countries have higher prices while poorer countries and the countries that produce and export oil have significantly lower prices,” the online portal said. “One notable exception is the U.S., which is an economically advanced country but has low gas prices.”

Iran itself sells some of the cheapest fuel in the world, with gasoline priced at $0.029 per litre and diesel at $0.006 per litre, reflecting heavy domestic subsidies.

At the other end of the spectrum, Hong Kong recorded the world’s highest gasoline prices, at $3.881 per litre, and diesel at $3.827 per litre as of March 2.

Since then, those prices have already moved higher. According to local media reports and advisories from Shell , gasoline prices in Hong Kong rose to $4.14 per litre, a 6.67% increase, while diesel climbed to $3.95 per litre, up 3.21%.

Meanwhile, Malawi, which sells the most expensive fuel in Africa, also recorded price jumps. Last week, gasoline was sold at $2.847 per litre and diesel at $2.858 per litre.

It remains unclear whether regulators will impose another hike. Malawi had already approved a more than 40% increase in January, when diesel prices rose 41.3% and petrol prices 41.9%.

In the United States , the average gasoline price reached $3.48 per gallon, according to the AAA motor club. That represents nearly a 17% increase since the first U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, pushing prices to their highest level since 2024.

In China , the government raised retail price caps for gasoline and diesel in the largest adjustment since March 2022, after international oil prices surged following the conflict.

According to a notice from the National Development and Reform Commission, retail price caps for gasoline and diesel will rise by $100.46 and $96.84, respectively, starting Tuesday. The previous adjustment was made on February 24.

Across parts of the Global South, retail prices have also begun climbing rapidly.

Here are some examples of how gasoline and diesel prices moved over the past week:

Fuel price movements, however, do not occur simultaneously across countries. Some governments regulate pump prices and adjust them on fixed schedules — weekly, monthly or after major market shifts — while others allow prices to fluctuate more freely with global oil markets. 

Why the Iran war matters for global fuel prices

Oil prices are highly sensitive to geopolitical risk in the Middle East because the region holds nearly half of the world’s proven oil reserves.

Iran is both a major producer and a strategic player in the Persian Gulf. Any military escalation involving the country raises fears of supply disruptions — whether through attacks on oil facilities, sanctions, or shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Because crude oil is the main input in gasoline and diesel production, increases in global oil prices typically feed through to retail fuel prices within days or weeks, depending on national pricing systems and taxes.

Countries that rely heavily on imported fuel — particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America — are often the most exposed to these shocks.

For developing countries that depend heavily on imported fuel, the Iran war could translate into higher food prices, increased transport costs and mounting pressure on government budgets in the weeks ahead.

These are not just footnotes; they are the " living sinews" of a relationship built on shared sacrifice. From the forgotten Chinese mariners of Liverpool to the intergenerational gratitude of British families, these stories remind us that even in an age of geopolitical turbulence, the bond between our peoples has always been defined by mutual support.

Today, we find ourselves in an Age of Strategic Fragmentation. As the United States increasingly pivots toward "willful unilateralism" and protectionist isolation, the global order is being pulled apart. In this volatile landscape, the rationale for a pragmatic, deep-seated partnership between the UK and China has never been more compelling.

The economic synergy

From a trade perspective, our two nations are not competitors, but essential components of a single, sophisticated ecosystem. My six years in the UK have shown me a perfect complementary curve: the UK’s leadership in high-end services , green finance, and life sciences finds its most natural outlet in China’s massive consumer market and rapid industrial application.

Take the current shift in British infrastructure . As the UK moves toward the renationalization of its railways, there is a golden opportunity for pragmatic cooperation. China’s high-speed rail expertise - unmatched in scale and cost-efficiency - can provide the UK with the technological blueprint for a cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable public transport system. This isn't just about tracks and trains; it’s about meeting net-zero targets through proven, accessible technology. In fields like robotics, British "brains" (AI and sensor research) coupled with Chinese "limbs" (advanced manufacturing) are already creating tools that will define the next industrial revolution.

A two-way street

Beyond the boardrooms, the heartbeat of our relationship is found in cultural resonance. In China, "Britishness"—from the craftsmanship of a Brompton bicycle to the heritage of Holland & Barrett—is synonymous with quality and trust.

Conversely, in the UK, I have seen a remarkable surge in "China-curiosity." Mandarin has become one of the most sought-after languages in British schools, and the celebration of the Chinese New Year is no longer confined to Chinatowns; it has become a fixture of the British festive calendar, from London’s Trafalgar Square to the streets of Manchester. This grassroots enthusiasm for each other's culture acts as a powerful buffer against political friction, reminding us that our societies are more integrated than the headlines suggest.

A shared responsibility

Politically, both London and Beijing have a vested interest in maintaining a stable, multilateral world order. In an era where international norms are being challenged by "America First" impulses, the UK and China can act as anchors of rationality. Whether it is upholding the Paris Agreement or safeguarding global supply chains, our cooperation is a prerequisite for global stability.

The "special relationship" with Washington need not come at the expense of a "pragmatic relationship" with Beijing. In fact, a Britain that engages deeply with China is a Britain that carries more weight on the world stage.

  We owe it to the memory of George Hogg, Eric Liddell, and the survivors of the Lisbon Maru to ensure that the bridge they built is not dismantled by the political whims and point-scoring of the present. As the world fragments, the UK and China have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to prove that cooperation is not a relic of the past, but the only viable path to a sustainable future.

The article solely represents the views of Yubin Du, a journalist for Chinese broadcaster CGTN who was based in London between 2019 and 2025

Burkina Faso’s government has approved a new National Security Strategy (NSS) covering the years 2026 to 2030. The policy aims to strengthen the country's capacity to address evolving security threats, particularly terrorism and regional instability. It emphasises the integration of technology in national defence systems to protect citizens and critical infrastructure. The new framework also prioritises coordination between military, intelligence, and civil institutions, marking a significant step toward modernising Burkina Faso’s security architecture.

Investor confidence restored

In a sign of economic recovery, Burkina Faso successfully mobilised 131 billion CFA francs ($231 million) through its recent financial initiatives. This achievement marks a turning point for investor confidence, highlighting the government’s effective fiscal management despite regional challenges. The capital raised will support national development projects and help stabilise public finances. Analysts say the outcome reflects investors' growing trust in the country’s economic direction and resilience amidst global financial pressures.

Burkina Faso to host Pan-African media hub

Burkina Faso has announced plans to establish a Pan-African media hub in its capital, Ouagadougou, as part of a continental strategy to strengthen information sovereignty. The initiative aims to promote African narratives and reduce dependency on foreign media networks. By hosting the media centre, the country seeks to position itself as a key player in African communication and cultural industries, fostering collaboration among media professionals and institutions across the continent. This aligns with the government’s broader goal of asserting digital and artistic independence.

Burkina Faso charts its path towards an inclusive future

The Burkinabè government is accelerating its digital transformation agenda through a comprehensive national roadmap focused on connectivity, innovation, and data security. The initiative seeks to ensure inclusive access to digital services across urban and rural areas, fostering technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Priority areas include strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and promoting ICT education. The program underscores Burkina Faso’s vision of becoming a regional model for digital inclusion and economic diversification in West Africa.

The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time, affected major cities including Madrid, Lisbon, and Barcelona, leading to halted transportation systems, grounded flights, and widespread communication failures. Authorities are investigating the cause, with possibilities ranging from technical failures to cyberattacks.​

In Spain, the outage brought public transportation to a standstill . Madrid's metro system was evacuated, and traffic lights ceased functioning, causing significant congestion. Airports operated on backup generators, leading to flight delays nationwide.

Hospitals suspended routine operations, relying on emergency power to treat critical patients. Retailers like IKEA closed stores or limited access, and oil refineries , including those operated by Moeve and Petronor, halted operations due to the power failure.​

Portugal faced similar challenges. Lisbon's metro and train services were suspended, and traffic signals failed across the country. Water supplier EPAL warned of potential disruptions, and residents rushed to purchase emergency supplies. All IKEA stores in Portugal closed for the day, and airports operated on limited capacity.​

The exact cause of the outage remains unclear. Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica and Portuguese operator REN are investigating, with initial reports suggesting a possible technical failure in the high-voltage network. Authorities have not ruled out a cyberattack, and Spain's National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) is examining the possibility.​

A fire in southwest France, between Perpignan and Narbonne, damaged a high-voltage power line, which some speculate may have contributed to the outage. However, French grid operator RTE stated that the incident was unrelated to the blackout.​

Power restoration efforts began within hours in some regions. By early afternoon, electricity returned to parts of the Basque Country and Barcelona. However, full restoration across affected areas is expected to take longer, with Portuguese utility EDP unable to provide a definitive timeline.​

The outage also impacted cultural events. At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, matches were suspended as electronic systems failed, leaving players and spectators in the dark.

From explosive celebrations to sacred rituals, here are 10 of the most unique Easter traditions practised around the world.

Sweden: Easter witches

Forget the Easter Bunny—in Sweden, children dress up as “Easter witches,” donning colourful clothes and painted cheeks as they go door to door trading drawings for sweets, a whimsical blend of Halloween and Easter.

Germany: Easter egg trees and bonfires

Germans bring colour to their gardens with Ostereierbaum—trees decorated with hand-painted eggs. The season is also marked by towering Easter bonfires, meant to chase away the dark of winter and welcome spring.

Slovakia: Whipping tradition

In Slovakia, Easter Monday comes with a quirky and controversial custom: men playfully whip women with decorated willow branches, believed to bring beauty and vitality for the year ahead.

Greece: Rocket wars and clay pots

On the island of Chios, two rival churches engage in a thrilling "rocket war ," firing thousands of homemade fireworks across the night sky. Meanwhile, in Corfu, residents hurl clay pots from balconies to ward off evil spirits.

France: Giant omelette for a thousand

In the town of Haux, chefs cook a giant omelette made with over 4,000 eggs—enough to feed an entire village. Legend has it that Napoleon once ordered a massive omelette here, and the tradition stuck.

Guatemala: Flower carpets

In Antigua, streets bloom with intricate alfombras—vibrant carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers, and fruit that line the roads for Easter processions. These temporary artworks are as fleeting as they are breathtaking.

Philippines : Self-crucifixion

In a dramatic and controversial act of faith, some Filipino devotees reenact Christ’s crucifixion —complete with nails and crosses—as a form of penance. Though discouraged by the Church, the practice draws large crowds each year.

Papua New Guinea: Cigarette trees

Churches in Papua New Guinea hang tobacco leaves and cigarettes on trees around Easter, encouraging congregants, especially men, to attend services and receive their “reward.”

Speaking with Global South World's Ismail Akwei, Sachs pointed to Africa’s division into 55 countries—a legacy of colonialism—as a structural limitation to its global influence.

“I think that unity is absolutely essential... Africa has 1.4 billion people . China has 1.4 billion people, India has 1.4 billion people. But just by fate, Africa is 55 countries, because that's how the imperialists divided up the continent,” he said.

Sachs stressed that the recent inclusion of the African Union in the G20 marks a significant development in giving Africa a stronger voice in shaping global economic and policy discussions.

He also addressed the changing dynamics of global power, noting that the United States is beginning to adopt a more defensive position in response to the growing influence of countries like China and India .

Sachs, who also spent 20 years as a professor at Harvard University, encouraged countries in the Global South to reduce their reliance on Western-led narratives and explore multipolar alliances.

“This is the time in which a new, fair, multipolar world is being built, in which the voices in Africa, in Asia, in Latin America , in the economies of those regions are coming to the forefront. The West, it led and it was often very cruel in its so-called leadership. We're going to have a fairer world in the years ahead,” he said.

Despite these, the are employees in various parts of the who give out their all at the workplace in terms of work hours.

According to data provided by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), there are some 5 countries in the world that work the most hours annually.

Here is the list:

Mexico

Topping the list is Mexico, where the average worker clocks in an impressive 2,207 hours per year. This high number reflects the country's labour dynamics, which often involve a six-day workweek.

Costa Rica

Following closely is Costa Rica, with an average of 2,171 hours worked annually. Known for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica's high working hours might come as a surprise. However, the country frequently ranks high on the World Economic Forum’s Happy Planet Index, indicating a unique blend of hard work and overall well-being.

Chile

In third place is Chile, where the average annual hours worked is 1,953. Chile's economy is one of the most stable in Latin America, and its workforce is known for its dedication and productivity.

Greece

Greece which is the fourth place has an annual work hours of 1897. Like the rest of the countries on the list, Greece has a stable workforce which drives its innovation and development.

Israel

Rounding out the top five is Israel, with an average of 1,880 hours worked per year. Israel's workforce is known for its high productivity and innovation, contributing to the country's strong economic performance.