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New AAA data shows petrol vehicles fell to a record quarterly low of 66.3% of sales. Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew data from the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) shows petrol-electric hybrid vehicles have reached record sales, while traditional fuel cars lose ground.In the fourth quarter of 2025, 55,458 new hybrids were sold, accounting for 19.13% of all new light vehicle sales. This comfortably eclipsed the previous record of 16.7% set in the September quarter of 2024. In addition, 15,411 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were sold – 5.32% of light vehicle sales, up from its previous record of 4.82% in the January quarter of 2025. Continue reading...

The U.S. under President Trump expanded waivers on Russian oil sanctions to all buyers, including easing restrictions on stranded oil at sea, aiming to tame surging domestic gas prices amid global tensions. EU officials pushed back against the move, while NATO leaders urged reversal of the suspension to pressure Russia. The policy shift matters as it balances inflation control against geopolitical leverage in Ukraine support, potentially providing Russia billions. Next steps include monitoring price impacts and possible congressional pushback before midterms.

The US Senate passed a broad bipartisan housing bill on March 12, 2026, aiming to increase construction and limit institutional ownership of single-family homes. The White House endorsed the measure on March 2, highlighting its potential to address affordability challenges. Its path in the House remains uncertain amid midterm pressures. Lawmakers from both parties cite high home prices as a top voter issue, with implementation depending on state and local policies.