Simon Harris Attends EU Finance Ministers Meeting in Brussels to Discuss Economic Implications of Middle East Conflict
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris is participating in a key meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, followed by significant engagements in Paris, aimed at strengthening Ireland's economic ties with France. These meetings are particularly relevant as they are expected to address the implications of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly concerning oil supply issues that were a focal point in recent discussions by the G7, which France currently leads. During the Brussels meeting, the ministers will deliberate on the economic fallout stemming from the Middle East crisis and its ramifications for the EU. This dialogue... [Continue Reading]
Tánaiste to attend meeting of EU finance ministers
It would be "utterly despicable" to allow Russia to gain financially by selling oil and gas to Europe, Tánaiste Simon Harris has said. [Continue Reading]
Philippines budget deficit hits record US$26.5 billion as corruption probe bites
An investigation into allegedly corrupt flood-control projects worth billions of pesos is beginning to ripple through the Philippines’ public finances, slowing infrastructure spending and adding uncertainty to the government’s investment-driven growth strategy. The budget deficit widened 4.68 per cent to 1.58 trillion pesos (US$26.5 billion) in 2025, Treasury Bureau data showed, surpassing 2024’s record of 1.51 trillion pesos. Despite slowing disbursements amid tighter scrutiny of public works... [Continue Reading]
Govt keeps all options 'under review' as fuel costs rise
Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said the Government will keep everything under review in terms of intervening in the economy as a result of high energy prices caused by the Iran War. [Continue Reading]
Oil Prices Surge Amid Rising Tensions in the Middle East, Reaching Highest Levels Since Conflict Began
As tensions rise in the Middle East, oil prices are surging significantly, marking a worrying trend for both global markets and consumers. Reports indicate that Brent crude oil has reached its highest price since the onset of the conflict, attributed largely to disruptions in supply from this critical energy region. The escalating crisis has resulted in a 17% increase in U.S. gasoline prices since the conflict began, further impacting American drivers as fuel costs rise sharply. The G7 finance ministers are convening to address the situation, amidst discussions around the potential release of strategic oil reserves to stabilize prices. The... [Continue Reading]
Oil prices surge amid Middle East conflict for first time since 2022
The Iran crisis has sent oil prices surging, and the G7 finance ministers are meeting later today to discuss possibly releasing strategic oil reserves to stabilise oil prices. The Brent oil barrel has reached its highest price since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Solange Mougin has more on the factors that can make the price of the barrel fluctuate. [Continue Reading]
Corporate report: Police pensions: member contributions
The UK government announced plans to revise police pension contributions, with new rules set to take effect from April 1, 2026. This update will amend the existing Police Pensions Regulations 2015 to establish a revised structure for member contributions. These changes affect all serving police officers in the UK who contribute to the pension scheme. The reform is intended to ensure the pension system remains sustainable and fair amid evolving salary conditions and workforce demographics. Police officers and pension stakeholders are directly impacted, as the contribution rates they pay will be adjusted under the new regulations. The government’s proposal aims... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 09 Mar 2026 15:20
How the Iran war may affect your bills and finances
The conflict in the Middle East could raise the cost of petrol, household energy bills and even food. [Continue Reading]
G7 leaders to discuss release of strategic oil reserves as crisis looms
Finance Ministers from the G7 group of the world's leading economies are meeting on March 9 to discuss a potential release of stocks from Strategic Petroleum Reserves. The talks will be joined by the executive director of the International Energy Agency. The organisation was formed in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis to coordinate to use of member states' reserves, the better to offset supply shocks, like the one currently slamming commodities markets. This as the Strait of Hormuz - a crucial export artery for Middle Eastern oil - remains effectively shut down due to the war in Iran. [Continue Reading]
G7 to discuss possible emergency release of oil reserves, says France’s Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday the G7 will discuss a possible release of strategic oil reserves, as finance ministers of the world’s leading industrialised nations prepared to meet for crisis talks on the Middle East war. Macron, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Group of Seven advanced economies, said that “the use of strategic reserves is an option being considered”. A possible meeting of G7 heads of state and government could take place this week, Macron told... [Continue Reading]
In Malaysia, Anwar’s reformist image at risk as Daim family sues over ‘Zionist’ claims
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is facing a fresh political test after the family of late former finance minister Daim Zainuddin sued his government over claims they were involved in a plot to topple the administration. The legal challenge is turning what began as a police investigation into a wider debate over whether Anwar’s reformist government is applying its principles consistently or selectively. Critics say the controversy risks complicating one of Anwar’s central claims since... [Continue Reading]
Starmer seeks to reassure public over cost of living as oil surges above $100 a barrel - UK politics live
The prime minister is facing pressure from unions and some backbenchers to prepare a support package as oil and gas prices threaten to push up inflationAs we mentioned in the opening post, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has a call with fellow G7 finance ministers this afternoon to discuss surging oil prices and the economic impact of the US-Israeli war with Iran.You can follow all the latest market developments in our business live blog, which is leading on how stock markets are tumbling after the oil price surged over $100 a barrel for the first time in four years:The longer this... [Continue Reading]
G7 to discuss release of emergency oil reserves as price tops $100
Finance ministers monitoring situation but stop short of agreeing to release emergency oil reservesHow high could oil prices go – and what might the global economic fallout be?Iran war drives oil prices above $100 a barrelThe G7 said it was ready to take “necessary measures” to address the economic impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, after a meeting prompted by soaring oil prices, which rose above $100 (£74) a barrel for the first time since 2022.Following a remote meeting on Monday, G7 finance ministers said they would closely monitor the situation but stopped short of agreeing to release emergency... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong ‘more than China’s financial sandbox’, Paul Chan says
Hong Kong is not merely China’s testing ground but also a key driver of the country’s development, the finance chief has said, underscoring the city’s role as the nation’s international financial centre. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Monday that Hong Kong must move swiftly to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and “get empowered” in its use, as the opportunities it brought outweighed potential job losses. Speaking at the “Redefining Hong Kong 2026: Budget Edition” conference... [Continue Reading]
Middle East conflict escalates into tenth day with rising casualties and oil prices surpassing $100 a barrel
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has significantly escalated, entering its tenth day with increasing casualties and geopolitical implications. The situation has seen both Iran and Israel targeting new military and civilian locations over the weekend, heightening tensions in the region. The latest developments come alongside a surge in oil prices, which have now exceeded $100 a barrel for the first time in four years. This escalation has been marked by a series of military actions, including Bahrain's accusations against Iran for striking one of its crucial desalination plants, a key facility for drinking water in the Gulf. In... [Continue Reading]
THIS WEEK: MEPs vote on deportation bill, as Iran war keeps Europe on edge
MEPs prepare to vote on a controversial deportation bill while debates intensify over Europe’s security amid the Iran war. Armenia’s prime minister addresses parliament, ministers tackle labour shortages and EU finances, and tensions rise over Ukraine funding as Hungary threatens a veto ahead of next week’s EU summit. [Continue Reading]
UK Government withholds consumer protection measures amid ongoing economic fallout from Iranian crisis
In light of the ongoing economic fallout from the crisis in Iran, the UK Government has opted for a cautious approach, choosing to withhold any specific consumer protection measures until it gains clarity on the duration and severity of the situation. Senior coalition members have indicated to RTÉ News that while there is consideration for extending the season for fuel allowances to assist vulnerable populations, no definitive actions have been taken thus far. The Iranian crisis, which has persisted for just over a week, has placed significant pressure on the UK’s energy market. In response, discussions among government leaders, including... [Continue Reading]
15th five-year plan presents ‘golden strategic period’ for Hong Kong: Paul Chan
Hong Kong’s financial chief has vowed to serve the nation and seize opportunities from the newly unveiled 15th five-year development plan, calling it a “golden strategic period” with great potential amid escalating geopolitics. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Sunday that Hong Kong would adopt “Artificial Intelligence+” and “Finance+” approaches to support mainland China’s development plan for 2026 to 2030. Beijing on Thursday revealed the sweeping blueprint during the annual “two... [Continue Reading]
Collapse at Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Congo results in at least 200 fatalities, with conflicting reports from authorities and rebels
A catastrophic collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Congo on Tuesday has resulted in at least 200 fatalities, as reported by Congolese authorities. However, this figure has been contested by the M23 rebel group, which controls the mining site. The incident has sparked significant debate regarding the true scale of the tragedy and the circumstances surrounding it. The collapse occurred at one of the region's major coltan mining operations, where the Ministry of Mines confirmed the death toll through a press release. In stark contrast, Fanny Kaj, a senior official of the M23, claimed that only five individuals... [Continue Reading]
