World Business Report From state of emergency to rationing: fuel shortages cause chaos across the globe
8 snips
Mar 24, 2026 George Steer, Financial Times reporter in New York, explains a sudden burst of oil trading tied to a presidential announcement. Professor Lioran de Mello, Macquarie energy academic, examines Australia’s refinery closures and policy choices. Guy De Launy reports from Ljubljana on Slovenia’s 50-litre rationing and cross-border fuel tourism. Sorinjana Tiwari files from Manila on Manila’s emergency measures and soaring prices.
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Philippines Declares Energy Emergency
- The Philippines declared a national energy emergency as fuel supply is in "imminent danger" amid Middle East war-driven price surges.
- Sorinjana Tiwari reports the order lets the government oversee distribution, buy petroleum, and potentially control pricing in a previously free market.
Slovenia Imposes Daily Fuel Limits
- Slovenia introduced fuel rationing to stop "fuel tourism" as drivers from Austria and elsewhere created queues and shortages.
- Guy De Launy notes limits of 50 litres per day per motorist and 200 litres for businesses to deter stockpiling with jerry cans and tanks.
Kenyan Flowers Destroyed After Flight Cancellations
- Kenya's flower industry is suffering as cancelled flights to the Middle East force orders to be returned and destroyed rather than sold.
- Jay Hirani from Prima Rosa Flowers says daily losses for one farm can be $20,000–$30,000 when shipments are scrapped.