World Business Express

Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world

World Service,194 episodes

Episodes

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Global fertiliser shortage threatens 2026 crop yields
Farmers' now predicted to produce lower crop this year affecting 10 billion meals a week.
01 May 2026,9 mins
Oil prices take a rollercoaster ride
The price of Brent crude hit a four year high on Thursday before falling back.
30 Apr 2026,9 mins
Oil price rose over $116 after reports of 'extended' Iran blockade
It is the highest price so far this month
29 Apr 2026,9 mins
United Arab Emirates is quitting the Opec and Opec+
The decision is seen as a blow to the cartel
28 Apr 2026,9 mins
How is the rise in jet fuel prices impacting the global aviation industry?
Jet fuel prices have soared from $85 per barrel to up to $200 in recent weeks
27 Apr 2026,9 mins
Expect global markets to fall - says Bank of England
Deputy governor fears share prices do not reflect the risks facing the economy
24 Apr 2026,9 mins
Warner Brothers Discovery shareholders agree Paramount deal
They vote yes to $100 billion acquisition by Paramount
23 Apr 2026,9 mins
EU frees up money for Ukraine
The bloc finally unlocks a $100 billion loan for Kyiv
22 Apr 2026,9 mins
The new head of the Fed?
Donald Trump’s nominee for Fed chair is grilled by senators
21 Apr 2026,9 mins
Tensions in the Gulf as US seizes Iranian ship
Global markets have dipped as Iran says it will retaliate against what it says is piracy
20 Apr 2026,9 mins
Oil prices plunge after Iran says Strait of Hormuz is open again
Iran's Foreign Minister says ships can again use the crucial Persian Gulf sea route.
17 Apr 2026,9 mins
Could Europe have ‘maybe six weeks of jet fuel left’?
IEA boss Fatih Birol warns Europe has ‘maybe just 6 weeks of jet fuel left’
16 Apr 2026,9 mins
Pressure on US to ease global economic pain
World finance ministers voice anger at the financial strains caused by Middle East crisis
15 Apr 2026,9 mins
IMF warns of global recession
The world economy is at risk of recession, warns IMF
14 Apr 2026,9 mins
US blockade of Strait of Hormuz begins
The US has begun its blockade of the key shipping route the Strait of Hormuz
13 Apr 2026,9 mins
Fuel protests cause disruption on Ireland's roads
The Strait of Hormuz remains almost shut to shipping, hurting economies around the world
10 Apr 2026,9 mins
09/04/2026 GMT
Finance, economy and business news from BBC journalists around the world
09 Apr 2026,9 mins
What the US-Iran ceasefire means for oil prices, flights and bills
Ships are starting to move through the Strait of Hormuz, but hundreds are still backed up
08 Apr 2026,9 mins
Ten days of Ukrainian drone strikes reduce Russia's seaborne crude oil exports
Ukrainian drones have struck Russia's oil export facilities in the Baltic and Black Seas.
07 Apr 2026,9 mins
Japan hints at talks with Iran as Middle East tension grows
Japan relies on the Middle East region for over 90 percent of its crude oil imports.
06 Apr 2026,9 mins
French container ship reportedly passes through Strait of Hormuz
First western-owner container ship passes through the crucial Gulf trade route - reports
03 Apr 2026,9 mins
Countries hold summit over Strait of Hormuz trade crisis
More than forty countries hold talks to try to re-open the vital shipping lane
02 Apr 2026,9 mins
Could there be a revival of the coal industry?
As Asia struggles without fuel imports, we explore the increased use of 'dirty' fuels.
01 Apr 2026,9 mins
Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most households
Sri Lanka is forced to increase power tariffs as energy costs begin to bite
31 Mar 2026,9 mins
Why is the cost of diesel rising faster than other fuels?
The cost of diesel is rising faster than other fuels since the start of the war in Iran
30 Mar 2026,9 mins
Fears of fuel shortages lead to panic buying in Australia
Petrol and diesel pumps are running dry at hundreds of service stations across Australia.
27 Mar 2026,9 mins
Meta and Alphabet shares fall following social media trial defeat
Tech giants shares down as investors ponder implications of social media legal setback.
26 Mar 2026,9 mins
Asian economies feel the pain of the US-Israel war with Iran
A lengthy conflict could prove ‘traumatic’ say Asian Development Bank
25 Mar 2026,9 mins
State of emergency in the Philippines over fuel
The Philippines declares state of emergency as the US-Iran conflict cuts fuel supplies.
24 Mar 2026,9 mins
Markets rally as Trump signals progress with Iran
President Trump signals possible progress towards ending the Middle East conflict
23 Mar 2026,9 mins