The British government has directed its refineries to produce the maximum possible amount of jet fuel as part of an emergency plan to maintain energy supply stability. The order comes as the country faces fuel shortages linked to the ongoing Iran war, according to Energy Minister Michael Shanks.

The directive aims to ensure adequate fuel availability ahead of the upcoming peak holiday travel season, when demand for aviation fuel typically rises. Airlines are already under pressure from rising fuel prices caused by the conflict. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) warned earlier that the jet fuel shortage would first hit Asia before spreading to Europe, Africa, and Latin America.

Facing this potential global supply disruption, the UK is taking early measures to stabilize its domestic energy system and safeguard the aviation sector from further shocks.

Bangladesh may begin importing fertilizer from Belarus, according to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed. He made the statement after meeting Belarus’s non-resident ambassador Mikhail Kasco at his office in the National Parliament on Wednesday. The minister noted that Belarus is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of potash fertilizer, while Bangladesh currently imports fertilizer from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other countries.

During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted Belarus’s agricultural mechanization capabilities, and the minister said Bangladesh could seek technical cooperation in that area as an agriculture-based country. The two sides also discussed law and order, defense, fertilizer imports, trade expansion, and mutual legal matters.

Ambassador Kasco emphasized the strong political and economic ties between the two nations and called for further strengthening of bilateral relations. He mentioned Belarus’s capacity in producing military equipment, including drones, and offered defense cooperation. The minister responded that Bangladesh would review the proposal before making any decision.

The OPEC Fund for International Development has announced a $1.5 billion aid package to support developing countries facing energy and trade disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. According to Reuters, the Vienna-based organization stated that the funds will be distributed in phases through 2028 to help nations manage rising economic pressures.

The OPEC Fund explained that the conflict has severely disrupted the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and fertilizer, driving prices sharply higher. The newly created demand-based fund aims to assist governments in covering increased costs and maintaining stable supply chains. The organization emphasized that the package will provide special protection to countries struggling with the negative global market impacts and trade stagnation resulting from the war.

The fund has previously extended financial assistance to developing nations during various global crises, continuing its role as an international development partner.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki announced that Poland is ready to position itself as a key northern gateway for U.S. energy supplies to Central and Eastern Europe. Speaking at the Three Seas Initiative summit in Croatia on Tuesday, he said the country seeks to strengthen regional energy self-sufficiency while deepening ties with the United States, which he described as a strategic partner for Central Europe. Nawrocki also highlighted the participation of U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright at the summit as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation.

His remarks came amid domestic discussions following Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent comments questioning the U.S. stance on NATO’s collective defense commitments. Nawrocki indirectly addressed these concerns, emphasizing that the foundation of security in NATO’s eastern flank remains the United States and that its presence should be further reinforced.

He added that the Three Seas Initiative plays a vital role in regional economic stability and called for discussions on establishing a dedicated investment bank to support the initiative’s goals.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced that Bangladesh will reduce lending interest rates to single digits to foster an investment-friendly environment. Speaking at the inauguration of the four-day Bangladesh International Textile, Knitting and Garment Industry Expo 2026 at ICCB in Dhaka, he said industries like textiles cannot sustain with current financing rates of 13–14 percent.

He highlighted that the textile and garment sector plays a vital role in economic growth through investment and employment but faces challenges from high interest rates and energy shortages. The minister detailed that the country’s gas demand is about 4,300 MMCFD, while domestic production ranges between 1,700 and 2,300 MMCFD, leaving a daily shortfall of 1,400–1,700 MMCFD even after LNG imports. To address this, new FSRU tenders will be issued soon. He also emphasized renewable energy expansion with a plan to generate 10,000 MW of solar power.

Muktadir added that business licensing and tax processes are being simplified to attract investors, reduce harassment, and expand the tax base through digital systems rather than raising tax rates.

More than half of Americans believe their financial situation is deteriorating, according to a Gallup survey released on Tuesday. The 2026 poll found that 55% of respondents said their finances had worsened, up from 53% in 2025 and 47% in 2024. Gallup described the current situation as historically poor, marking the fifth consecutive year that more Americans reported financial decline. A similar trend was last seen during the 2007–2009 global recession.

The survey also revealed that 62% of Americans are worried about having enough savings for retirement, while 60% fear they could not afford medical costs in case of serious illness or accident. Additionally, 54% expressed concern about investment returns and maintaining their standard of living. Nearly half are anxious about regular healthcare expenses, 41% about paying monthly bills, and 40% about higher education costs.

Gallup attributed these concerns mainly to inflation and rising costs of energy, housing, and healthcare. It added that college, transportation, and childcare expenses are also creating significant financial pressure for households.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a move analysts describe as a major setback for Saudi Arabia and a political gain for U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision, set to take effect next month, marks a significant shift in Middle Eastern energy alliances.

According to the report, the UAE’s departure stems from long-standing policy differences with Saudi Arabia. While Riyadh favors production cuts to maintain high oil prices, Abu Dhabi prioritizes maximizing output and export volumes for greater profit. Energy analyst Arne Lohmann Rasmussen noted that the UAE focuses on production levels, whereas Saudi Arabia emphasizes price stability.

Analysts suggest the decision is driven more by political motives than economic ones. Ellen Wald of the Atlantic Council indicated that the UAE may be seeking to weaken OPEC, historically viewed as hostile by Trump, in exchange for U.S. security assurances against Iran. The exit of OPEC’s third-largest producer raises questions about the 65-year-old alliance’s future and signals intensifying regional competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Bangladesh’s Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced an increase in edible oil prices on Wednesday during a press conference at the ministry’s conference room. The price of bottled soybean oil has been raised by four taka per liter, from 195 to 199 taka, while loose soybean oil will now sell for 179 taka per liter, up from 175 taka.

The minister explained that the adjustment reflects global market conditions, as product prices at the source have risen worldwide. He expressed hope that consumers would understand the decision in light of the global situation and that the supply situation in the domestic market would become more stable as a result.

The announcement highlights the government’s effort to align domestic pricing with international cost pressures while maintaining supply stability in the edible oil market.

Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that promising export sectors such as gold and diamond industries will receive the same facilities as the ready-made garment sector. He made the statement on Wednesday at the 46th meeting of the National Board of Revenue’s advisory committee, jointly organized by the NBR and FBCCI at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

The minister said that while Bangladesh’s garment industry has achieved remarkable success, other sectors like gold and diamond remain underdeveloped. From now on, any promising export sector that submits a proposal will be granted equal benefits. He emphasized that fear of theft should not restrict business opportunities, and that corruption and inefficiency at ports will be addressed separately. He also highlighted the government’s focus on reforming the fragile economy through a large, quality budget aimed at poverty reduction and investment growth.

Chowdhury added that revenue collection will be strengthened through full digitization and the “One Citizen One Card” system to reduce direct contact between taxpayers and officials, thereby curbing corruption. He urged business associations to help bring untaxed entities into the tax network and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratizing the economy.

French energy company TotalEnergies has announced the restart of operations at the SATORP oil refinery in Saudi Arabia. The facility had been shut down as a precaution after sustaining damage during an Iranian attack on April 8. According to the company, operations resumed on April 14, and the refinery is now running at a capacity of 230,000 barrels per day.

TotalEnergies stated that three units of the refinery were damaged in the incident, prompting a full shutdown for safety reasons. The unaffected units have since been brought back online. The refinery is jointly owned by Saudi Aramco, holding 62.5 percent, and TotalEnergies, with 37.5 percent.

The attack occurred amid ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East, targeting one of the area’s key energy installations. The resumption of operations marks a significant step toward restoring stability in Saudi Arabia’s oil production network.

Iran’s economy faces prolonged pressure if disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue, prompting Tehran to look northward toward Russia for economic cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, praising Moscow’s support and discussing the Hormuz situation and sanctions. Bilateral trade reached about 4.8 billion dollars in 2024, a 16 percent increase since 2018, mainly involving grain, metals, machinery, and fertilizers, though economists note the relationship remains limited.

The two countries are connected through the International North–South Transport Corridor, linking Russia to Asia via Iran and the Caspian Sea. Experts say this route offers partial relief but cannot replace the scale and speed of maritime trade through Hormuz. Nearly 90 percent of Iran’s trade depends on sea routes, making a full shift to land transport costly and inefficient.

Analysts believe Russia can provide short-term assistance but is unlikely to become a full economic lifeline for Iran due to its own sanctions and war-related pressures.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament that the government’s Family Card program is a form of state investment aimed at strengthening local industries and creating employment. Responding to questions from lawmakers, he said the initiative would gradually cover 40 million families, starting with vulnerable groups, and would not cause inflationary pressure. The prime minister emphasized that the program’s spending would circulate within the domestic economy, benefiting rural markets and local manufacturers.

Lawmakers raised concerns about the program’s financial scale, estimating annual costs of up to 1.34 trillion taka including processing expenses, and questioned whether funds would be diverted from existing social safety programs. Rahman replied that the government’s calculations show no major budgetary strain, as overlapping benefits in current welfare schemes would be streamlined.

He added that the Family Card recipients typically purchase essential, locally made goods, ensuring that the funds support domestic production rather than imports. According to him, this approach will help reduce inflation while promoting local industrialization and employment growth.

The government of Bangladesh will provide three months of assistance to farmers in the haor region who have suffered losses due to recent natural disasters and hailstorms. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced the decision in the National Parliament on Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026.

The announcement followed a proposal made the previous day by Fazlur Rahman, Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-4, who urged the formation of a separate 'Haor Ministry' covering 35 districts to improve the livelihoods of people in the disaster-affected haor areas. He described the severe hardship faced by farmers whose single annual crop has been destroyed by heavy rain and hail, leaving them dependent on others for food and clothing throughout the year.

The Prime Minister’s statement indicates immediate government attention to the crisis, while the proposal for a dedicated ministry suggests a possible long-term institutional response to recurring natural disasters in the haor region.

International oil prices continued to climb following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump instructed his aides to extend sanctions on Iranian ports. According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials said the move aims to increase pressure on Iran’s economy and restrict its oil exports by limiting ship movements at the country’s ports.

In global trading, Brent crude for June delivery rose by 52 cents, or 0.47 percent, reaching $111.78 per barrel as of 01:54 GMT. The July contract, which saw higher trading volumes, increased to $104.84 per barrel, up 0.4 percent. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for June delivery gained 57 cents, or 0.57 percent, to $100.50 per barrel after a 3.7 percent rise in the previous session. Prices have now risen in seven of the past eight trading days.

Analysts cited continued Middle East tensions and supply uncertainties as factors likely to sustain the upward trend in global energy markets.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh has selected 72,341 income tax returns for audit for the 2023–24 tax year using an automated system based on risk-based criteria. The announcement was published on the NBR website on Tuesday. This marks the first time income tax audits are being chosen through the same automated process previously used for VAT audits, where 600 returns were reviewed earlier in April. NBR stated that the automated selection ensures transparency and fulfills a long-standing demand from civil society.

For years, taxpayers and company officials had accused NBR officers of selecting the same individuals or firms for audits repeatedly, allegedly for harassment or financial gain. In response, NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan had suspended manual audit selections until an automated system was introduced. The new system allocates between 20 and 200 audits per tax circle, depending on the prevalence of tax evasion. A tax lawyer noted that while automation improves transparency, it may still miss cases where individuals underreport income despite large assets.

The automated audit selection is expected to enhance fairness and strengthen revenue collection by reducing human interference in the process.