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Economy & Business

Indian vessel 'Nanda Devi' carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrives at Vadinar Port in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat state on March 17, 2026 after Iran allowed it to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy corridor that remains disrupted by the Middle East war.

Iran’s Hormuz choke hold leaves West divided as energy markets reel

Between March 1 and March 19, there were only 114 crossings of the strait, according to analytics firm Kpler — 95% less than prewar traffic.

Excess gas is burned at the oil refinery in Israel's northern city of Haifa late on March 19, 2026.

Analysis

Iran expands energy targets beyond Gulf as Red Sea and East Med come into play

In retaliation for strikes on its energy sector, Tehran's campaign against regional oil and gas infrastructure has intensified and broadened to include Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port and an Israeli refinery in Haifa.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives to attend an event in the East Room of the White House, Washington, DC, March 5, 2026.

US weighs easing Iran oil sanctions amid Hormuz crisis: What to know

A possible move by the Treasury would reduce pressure on Iranian crude as Washington seeks to offset supply losses tied to Iran's virtual closure of the strait.

A picture of Qatar Energy's operating facilities on March 3, 2026 in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar.

Analysis

How Iran's strike on Qatar gas field could impact LNG market for years

Damage from an Iranian strike on the world's largest LNG export hub could take significant supply offline for years as Qatar considers whether to declare force majeure on long-term contracts supplying Europe and Asia.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Latest News

After 35% surge, how far could Gulf disruptions push European gas?

In this aerial view, Storage tanks at Grain LNG importation terminal, operated by National Grid Plc sit near the River Medway in the Thames Estuary on March 12, 2026, in Isle of Grain, England.

UAE steps in to support banks as war pressure builds: What to know

AFP via Getty Images

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Iran war tests Gulf dealmaking as foreign investors assess risks

The city skyline is pictued in Dubai on March 11, 2026. The oil-rich Gulf has borne the brunt of Iran's attacks in response to US-Israeli strikes that sparked the Middle East war, with Tehran targeting US assets but also civilian infrastructure. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP via Getty Images)

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

An Egyptian woman walks past an exchange store in Cairo on Jan. 6, 2013.

Egyptian Central Bank plans to establish new index of gold, foreign currencies

The Egyptian pound is performing poorly against the US dollar but faring better compared to other currencies.

This aerial photograph shows high-rise buildings in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Sept. 16, 2022.

How startups are contributing to Libya’s economic recovery

Digital business in the war-torn country is slowly starting to take seed.

Egypt cotton

Egypt seeks to produce cotton that resists drought better

Ahead of the COP27, Egypt and Uzbekistan hope to cooperate in producing cotton varieties resistant to unfavorable climate conditions.

Iraq slum

How can Iraq help 3.5 million citizens living in urban slums?

The government and parliament in Iraq are working to address the slum housing crisis, facing obstacles and wide social and political opposition.

AMER HILABI/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi, Chinese energy leaders pledge further cooperation

While the United States is upset at Saudi Arabia over its decision to decrease oil production, the kingdom’s energy ties with China are improving.

A picture taken on March 12, 2019, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes shows a scale model of the city of Dubai.

Russian, British citizens top buyers of nonresidential property in Dubai

The war in Ukraine is driving more Russians to buy property in Dubai’s flourishing real estate market.

United Arab Emirates

Arab fashion

Arab designers respond to demand for sustainable fashion

In addition to new styles, Arab Fashion Week in Dubai also showcased the work of "slow fashion" designers who are trying to reduce the industry's environmental impact.

KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

How OPEC+ production cut will impact Egypt

Experts say the OPEC+ decision to cut oil production won't hit Egypt as hard as some other countries.

Amazon Egypt storefront.

Amazon Egypt launches page for Egyptian handicrafts

Amazon Egypt launched a new page for thousands of Egyptian handicrafts and heritage products, with the aim of supporting and encouraging Egyptian products.

US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on energy.

Biden announces release of oil reserves following Saudi-backed oil cut

One analyst said the move will not elicit a reaction from Saudi Arabia, which is in a dispute with the Biden administration over the recent OPEC+ oil production decision.

An Iranian Turkman worker packages beluga caviar.

Iran renews ban on sturgeon fishing

The endangered fish is used to make caviar. Israel also has a strong caviar export industry.

Israel Barbivai

Israel, Turkey promote increasing bilateral trade

On an official visit to Turkey, Minister of Economy and Industry Orna Barbivai met with her counterparts, advancing the re-convening of the joint economic conference.