Business
Stocks rise and oil dips on hopes of 15-point Iran peace plan
Posted on Wednesday March 25, 2026
Markets in Asia, Europe and US move higher after Iran says it will permit ‘non-hostile’ ships through strait of HormuzBusiness live – latest updatesThe price of oil has dipped and stock markets around the world have moved higher on reports that the US has sent a 15-point framework for peace to Iran, amid hopes of a ceasefire in the Middle East.Positive sentiment may also have been bolstered by reports that Iran had announced it was permitting “non-hostile” ships to pass safely through the strait of Hormuz, a move that could help to reopen the vital shipping lane. Continue reading...
UK inflation held at 3% before global energy price hit from Iran war
Posted on Wednesday March 25, 2026
February annual rate in line with expectations, but Food and Drink Federation fears it is ‘calm before storm’Business live – latest updatesThe UK inflation rate held steady at 3% in February, before Donald Trump’s Iran war drove up global energy costs, threatening a renewed price jump.Official figures showed the consumer prices index remained at the same level as the previous month, in line with economists’ expectations but still well above the government’s 2% target. Continue reading...
Europe could face fuel shortage by April as Iran throttles supplies, says Shell boss
Posted on Wednesday March 25, 2026
Wael Sawan warns of pressure on diesel and petrol if strait of Hormuz does not reopen to oil and gas shippingMiddle East crisis – live updatesBusiness live – latest updatesEurope could face a shortage of energy and fuel as soon as next month without a reopening of the strait of Hormuz, Shell’s chief executive has said.The boss of Europe’s biggest oil company said it was working with governments to help them address the oil and gas supply crisis, which has already led to energy rationing in Asian countries. Continue reading...
Opinion
Sport
Revealed: secret plans for two-day London Marathon with 100,000 runners
Posted on Wednesday March 25, 2026
‘Double London Marathon’ plans backed by mayor’s office2027 event would raise tens of millions more for charity The London Marathon is in advanced talks about staging a two-day event in 2027, allowing tens of thousands more runners to take part in the iconic race and to raise tens of millions more for charity.While the Double London Marathon, as it is being called internally, has not been granted formal approval it is believed to have the backing of the mayor’s office for it to be staged on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April next year. Continue reading...
Man who posted racist messages about England’s Jess Carter on TikTok avoids jail
Posted on Wednesday March 25, 2026
Nigel Dewale, 60, given suspended prison sentenceOffensive messages were sent during Euro 2025A 60-year-old man has received a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to sending offensive messages about the England international Jess Carter during the European Championship last summer.Nigel Dewale, of Great Harwood in Lancashire, was sentenced to six weeks, suspended for 12 months, after a hearing at Blackburn magistrates court. He also received a four-year football banning order, and a requirement to engage in a 10-day rehabilitation programme. Continue reading...