Oil

Updated code of practice covering England, Wales and Scotland also relates to changing rooms and follows supreme court rulingSingle sex toilets and changing rooms in England, Wales and Scotland must exclude transgender men and women, according to a new code of practice from the equalities watchdog.But the long-awaited guidance also says that businesses and service providers have to offer practical alternatives such as gender-neutral toilets for people who don’t wish to use services for their biological sex. Continue reading...

• The European Union is preparing a targeted trade clampdown against China to protect flagging domestic industries from what officials describe as a "Chinese steamroller." • Brussels is developing a standalone package of measures that can be deployed on a case-by-case basis, rather than implementing broad "Buy European" criteria. • This strategic shift is designed to secure essential backing from Germany, which has historically resisted blanket protectionist policies that could disrupt its trade relations.

Surging demand, low reserves and reduced Middle East exports predicted to cause global crunch by AugustOil markets will enter “red zone” by July and August as stocks dwindle before the summer travel season amid a shortage of fresh oil exports from the Middle East, the executive director of the International Energy Authority warned on Thursday.Fatih Birol added that the most important solution to the Iran war energy shock was a full and unconditional reopening of the strait of Hormuz. Continue reading...

• The United States seized an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean overnight, according to three U.S. officials cited in the FDD overnight brief. • President Donald Trump has warned he could resume military strikes on Iran, while Tehran remains in a standoff over its nuclear program and highly enriched uranium. • The move comes amid broader concerns about Iranian maritime and military capabilities, including a newly disclosed U.S. assessment that identified at least 10 sophisticated naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Decision to allow import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries is criticised by Tories as ‘insane’The UK government has relaxed strict sanctions on Russian crude oil, allowing for the import of jet fuel and diesel refined in third countries amid surging costs.A trade licence that came into effect on Wednesday permits the imports indefinitely and will be reviewed periodically. It comes at a time of growing concerns over the supply of certain fuels due to the de facto blockade of the strait of Hormuz since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran. Continue reading...

• Nigeria's major opposition parties are facing internal crises ahead of the 2027 general elections, renewing calls for the adoption of independent candidacy. • The push is framed as a potential way to broaden political participation and reduce the influence of party gatekeepers over nominations. • Advocates say allowing candidates to run without party backing could open the system to more competition, while critics warn it may weaken party organization.

Trump warning over peace talks drives up crude price as UK gilts hit by uncertainty over Starmer leadershipBusiness live – latest updatesOil prices rose and global bonds wobbled on Monday, as fresh tensions in the Middle East fed inflation fears and bets that central banks will have to increase interest rates.Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, rose on Monday, after an attack on a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. Continue reading...