World Business Report

The head of the International Energy Agency Fatih Birol says the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger what he calls the largest energy crisis the world has ever faced. He's warned Europe may have as little as six weeks of jet fuel left. It comes as airlines across the world struggle with fuel supplies and cost. Airlines in Nigeria are warning they may suspend flights from Monday over soaring jet fuel prices and South Korean Airlines say they will impose the highest level of surcharges they can on flights in May as global oil prices surge due to the tensions in the Middle East.
Netflix's second quarter profits fall short of expectations and it announced that its chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings is stepping down from the board after 29 years. Netflix stepped back from a battle to control Warner Bros Discovery earlier this year.

Sweden, one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, will be going back to basics with the use of physical books, pens, and paper for their students, but some tech companies are concerned that the move could damage pupils' job prospects.
And we explore why Allbirds whose trainers were worn by Hollywood stars and President Obama are getting out of footwear and into artificial intelligence.

That’s a warning from the International Energy Agency boss, Fatih Birol as the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt energy supplies. So what could that mean for airlines and travel?
Plus, how did China’s economy grow by 5%, faster than expected despite the Iran war?
And Australia’s fuel supplies face added pressure after a major fire at one of the country’s two oil refineries.

President Trump has threatened to fire US Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell if he does not step aside next month, raising concerns over central bank independence and market uncertainty.
Pakistan remains involved in diplomatic efforts over the US, Israel and Iran conflict, as questions grow over whether this could bring any economic benefit amid domestic pressure.
And travellers across several European airports are facing long delays due to the EU’s new entry and exit system, with some missing flights after hours in queues.
(Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speak during a tour of the Federal Reserve Board building, in Washington DC, July 24, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Kent Nishimura)

World finance ministers meeting in Washington have been voicing their anger and frustration at the US because of the financial strains being placed on the global economy caused by its military offensive in the Middle East. Rachel Reeves from the UK described the US-Israeli war with Iran as 'folly' while France's finance minister Roland Lescure called for renewed efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The calls come as Iran's military widens its threats on shipping the Gulf to include the Red Sea and the Gulf of Oman - if the US naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. 
The International Monetary Fund has been warning of the risk of a global recession at its Spring Conference in Washington DC. There was further evidence of these concerns today. Hermes is the latest fashion house, after LVMH and Gucci-owner Kering to say sales have been weaker than expected at the start of this year...with spending hit both in the Middle East, but also fewer tourists visiting Paris and buying handbags and designer clothes. And there has been continued unrest in parts of India over wages, as the increased costs of living caused by the crisis continue to hurt the economy. 
Also in the programme - are hedge fund managers cashing in on the uncertainty of whether firms will receive refunds on tariffs?
And we discover why Google is clamping down on so-called ‘back button hijacking’...when sites mess with your browser so you can’t leave.
Presenter: Leanna Byrne
Senior Producer: Craig Henderson

With the Global recession warning from the International Monetary Fund, Andrew Peach looks at rising oil, gas and food prices, and how they could force central banks to keep interest rates higher for longer.
Also, European airlines call for emergency support as the conflict disrupts aviation.
And we ask whether America’s tipping culture improves service or simply keeps wages low.
(Photo: People walk in front of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) HQ2 building in Washington, DC, USA, 13 April 2026. Credit: SHAWN THEW/EPA/Shutterstock)