Business

Brent crude surges to $104 amid escalating Iran conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump said over the weekend that he was demanding other countries help to protect the key maritime corridor, adding that he was in conversation with several allies about securing the strait.

Published

7 months ago

March 16, 2026

OCHEFA

373 Views

Oil prices rose on Monday morning as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on allies to help safeguard the Strait of Hormuz and investors react to threats facing Middle East export facilities.

According to CNBC, international benchmark Brent crude futures with May delivery traded 1.5% higher at $104.72 per barrel, paring earlier gains, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures with April delivery advanced 0.3% to $98.91.

U.S. crude had surpassed $100 earlier in the session.

Both contracts have surged more than 50% over the past month, reaching their highest levels since 2022, as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted.

Brent closed above $100 for the first time in four years last week.

The narrow waterway is a critical energy choke point that typically carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil.

Related Topics:Featured global oil supply Global oil supply disruptions

Up Next

Nigeria Ranks 14th out of 50 Most Agricultural Land globally

Don't Miss

MTN rebounds to profitability, hikes dividend and plans share buybacks

Click to comment

Business

WEF could appoint Lagarde as its next chair, sources say

The WEF’s Board of Trustees, which includes Lagarde herself, was due to meet on November 2 and could elect her as its next chair, said the people close to the organisation, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ⁠the matter.

Published

6 hours ago

October 15, 2026

OCHEFA

14 Views

•European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde

The World Economic Forum could appoint Christine Lagarde as its next chair as soon as next month, four people close to the organisation told Reuters, meaning she would step down early as European Central Bank chief and trigger a wider ‌reshuffle at the top of the ECB.Lagarde’s ECB term is scheduled to end in October 2027.

Leaving early would give European Union leaders a chance to pick a new ECB President before France’s spring presidential election, which opinion polls suggest the far-right could win, and could pave the way for a deal involving two other senior ECB roles.

No final decision has been taken yet, they said.

A spokesperson for the WEF said the forum could not confirm when the next full Board of Trustees meeting would take place, but that the aim was to hold one before the end of the year.

Business

Germany plans tax on sugary drinks

The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.

Published

6 hours ago

October 15, 2026

OCHEFA

17 Views

The German cabinet has approved draft legislation to tax sugary drinks in Europe’s biggest economy.

If passed by the German Bundestag, the tax will take effect on 1 July 2027.

The coalition aims to raise revenue for the federal budget while encouraging manufacturers to reduce sugar content and offer healthier products.

The levy is intended to ease pressure on the healthcare system, which faces costs of more than €2 billion every year linked to the high consumption of sugary drinks, which contributes to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.

According to the federal government, Berlin is using the tax to implement “what associations from the fields of health, science, child protection, and consumer protection have long been demanding.”

The tax is expected to generate additional revenue for the federal government of €690 million in 2027 and €925 million in 2028.