Oil prices ease as OPEC+ increases production, Hormuz traffic rebounds Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 0.15% to $71.87 a barrel as of 8:07 a.m. EDT after dropping as low as $71.09 earlier in the session, its lowest level since before the US-Israel-Iran war began on Feb. 28. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Can a UAE-backed Syria-Iraq corridor become Gulf's next trade route? On June 26, Emirati and Syrian officials discussed plans for a logistics corridor connecting Syrian ports to Gulf markets via Iraq. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Syria launches gas project with Saudi firm in latest Gulf energy partnership The project is the latest in a series of Gulf-backed investments aimed at rebuilding Syria's energy sector after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria
Oil falls below $71 as US-Iran talks continue, Gulf exports rebound Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in an X post on Wednesday that Iran and the United States had made "positive progress." Iran
Newsletter: Business & Tech The race to restore Hormuz By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Turkish Central Bank revises inflation outlook The bank significantly raised its inflation projections, citing the effects of the war in Ukraine, but inflation was high before the war. Turkey
IMF: Oil producers better prepared for Ukraine-related economic downturn The International Monetary Fund’s report also highlighted currency depreciation in Egypt, economic effects of the war in Yemen and Jordan’s fledgling tourism sector. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iraq grapples with rising food costs as a result of Ukraine war Ripple effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are driving the Iraqi government to allot additional funds to ensure the food supply is stable. Iraq
Italy's ENI to tap North African gas for Europe Europe’s race to reduce its energy dependence on Russia has put the spotlight on Algeria, Egypt and Libya, but their capacity to boost exports in the short term is limited and any significant increase would require large investments and stability. North Africa
Saudi Arabia, France pledge aid to Lebanon for food, health sectors Some countries have been reluctant to provide aid to crisis-stricken Lebanon without the government's implementation of economic reforms. Lebanon
Egypt wants shipping agencies to deal in pounds amid dollar flight After Egypt’s currency devaluation in March, the Egyptian government hopes to ease the strain on its banking system by mandating that international shipping agencies accept Egyptian pounds instead of US dollars as payment. Egypt
Explainer: UAE business delegation visits Kashmir, meets Indian PM The UAE and India have a strong economic relationship. The Kashmir visit could affect UAE-Pakistan ties. United Arab Emirates
Will sanctioned Russian oligarchs find haven in Egypt? Its current economic hardships may prompt Cairo to double down on investments with Russia. Egypt
US becomes Turkey's second biggest gas supplier, but for how long? Turkey's second biggest gas supplier over the past winter was the United States, but Ankara may have to turn back to its neighbors to ensure it has sufficient supplies. Turkey
Ankara’s interest liabilities balloon to dizzying heights The ratio of the Turkish government’s interest liabilities to its principal domestic debt has hit a staggering 117%, up from 60% last year. Turkey
Brent crude falls nearly 10%, OPEC basket drops slightly Saudi Arabia has acted to keep prices high recently against the wishes of the US. Saudi Arabia
War in Ukraine tests Algeria’s wheat reserves amid inflation, drought Wheat supplies should be sufficient for the rest of 2022. But the country will eventually be compelled to secure additional quantities at higher prices Algeria