United News of Bangladesh

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined 10 immediate ways households, businesses and governments can save money as oil prices surge above $100 per barrel following what it calls the largest supply disruption in global oil market history. The crisis stems from the US-Israel war on Iran, which has severely reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key artery that normally carries around 20 per cent of global oil consumption, or roughly 20 million barrels per day. The loss of these flows has tightened markets sharply, pushing up not just crude prices but also refined fuels such as diesel, jet fuel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), reports GulfNews. While countries have already responded with supply-side measures — including a record 400 million barrel release from emergency reserves — the IEA says these alone are not enough. “The war in the Middle East is creating a major energy crisis, including the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market. In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “As the global energy authority, the IEA is doing everything we can to support the stability of energy markets. We have recently launched the largest ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks – and I am in close contact with key governments around the world, including major energy producers and consumers, as part of our international energy diplomacy,” Birol said. Measures to adopt In addition, Birol said today’s report provides a menu of immediate and concrete measures that governments, businesses and households can take on the demand side to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis. “It draws on the IEA’s decades of expertise in this field and highlights measures that have been proven to work in practice in different contexts. I believe it will be of use to governments around the world, in both advanced and developing economies, in these challenging times,” Birol added. Why demand cuts matter The agency stressed that reducing demand is a “critical and immediate tool” to ease pressure on consumers, improve affordability and support energy security until normal supply flows resume. Road transport — which accounts for around 45% of global oil demand — is the biggest focus, though the recommendations also cover aviation, cooking and industry. The 10 ways to save money So, what are the 10 ways to save money? IEA’s report highlights simple, proven actions that can quickly cut fuel use and lower household expenses: 1. Work from home where possible Cuts fuel use by reducing daily commuting. 2. Reduce highway speed limits by at least 10 km/h Lower speeds reduce fuel consumption across vehicles. 3. Use public transport Switching from private cars to buses and trains reduces oil demand. 4. Alternate private car access in cities Number-plate rotation systems can cut congestion and fuel use. 5. Car sharing and efficient driving Higher occupancy and eco-driving lower fuel consumption. 6. Improve efficiency in deliveries and freight Better driving, maintenance and load optimisation reduce diesel use. 7. Divert LPG use from transport Preserves LPG for essential needs like cooking. 8. Avoid air travel where alternatives exist Reduces demand for jet fuel, especially business travel. 9. Switch to modern cooking solutions Electric cooking can reduce reliance on LPG. 10. Improve industrial efficiency and switch feedstocks Helps reduce oil consumption and free up fuel for critical uses. The IEA said that while these demand-side measures cannot fully offset the scale of the supply disruption, widespread adoption can “play a meaningful role” in lowering costs, reducing market strain and preserving fuel for essential uses.

Fuel prices in India increased on Friday, with premium petrol and industrial diesel becoming more expensive due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. According to oil marketing companies, the price of premium petrol went up by about 2.30 Indian rupees per litre, while industrial diesel saw a much bigger jump of around 22 rupees per litre. The new prices took effect immediately. The rise in fuel costs is linked to instability in the Middle East, which has been affecting global oil markets and supply. Higher industrial diesel prices are expected to impact key sectors such as manufacturing, transport and power generation. This could lead to higher production and delivery costs, and eventually push up the prices of everyday goods, local media reported. However, the government downplayed the increase in premium petrol prices, saying it would have limited impact as only a small portion — around 2 to 4 percent — of consumers use this type of fuel.

Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Iqbal Hassan Mahmood on Wednesday said Bangladesh has no alternative but to use its existing fuel resources in a cost-effective manner due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. “Our only option is to use the fuel we have in hand in a sparing manner until supply system stabilises,” he told reporters at Secretariat after a meeting with Paul Kapur, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. The minister said discussions were held on how to manage the available energy resources efficiently amid the global uncertainty. He urged people to be economical in using electricity and fuel by limiting the use of private vehicles and avoiding unnecessary illumination and decorative lighting. Senators to vote on limiting Trump’s military authority after Iran strikes Referring to the impact of the Middle East conflict on the energy sector, the minister said the government is reviewing how to continue operations with the resources currently available. “We will issue a press release from the ministry in this regard,” he said.  “As long as the conflict remains, the pressure on energy will continue. We are trying to run the system efficiently with what we have,” he said.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines has suspended its flights to six Middle Eastern destinations until further notice due to the prevailing security situation in the region. The national flag carrier said operations on Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Kuwait routes have been suspended following the Israel-US attack on Iran. Biman requested passengers travelling to these destinations to contact their nearest sales office or respective travel agency for further assistance. Biman reschedules Dhaka–Madinah, Dhaka–Jeddah flights for Sunday Passengers may also call Biman’s contact centre at 13636 or +88 09610913636 (international) for updated information, according to a notice issued by Biman. The airline apologised for the inconvenience caused, saying passenger safety remains its highest priority. Biman is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as circumstances evolve, said the notice.

Several US diplomatic missions across the Middle East have suspended operations and issued urgent security advisories following escalating regional tensions and security incidents. The US Embassy in Kuwait announced it has shut down operations “until further notice,” citing ongoing regional tensions. In a statement, the embassy said all regular and emergency consular appointments have been cancelled and that it would inform the public when normal operations resume. The closure follows days of mounting casualties and military incidents in the region. According to the US military, six American troops were killed and three US fighter jets crashed in Kuwait in what was described as an apparent friendly fire incident. Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Iraq has ordered non-emergency US government employees to leave the country due to security reasons. The mission also updated its travel advisory, prohibiting US government personnel in Baghdad from using the city’s international airport over security risks. A US State Department official earlier urged American citizens to depart immediately from more than a dozen countries due to serious safety risks. The countries include Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. In Saudi Arabia, the US Embassy in Riyadh announced the cancellation of all routine and emergency services following an attack on the facility. The embassy said a shelter-in-place order was in effect at its missions in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran, and advised US citizens to avoid embassy premises until further notice. The embassy also urged all American citizens in the Kingdom to maintain a personal safety plan as security concerns continue across the region. #With Inputs from Al Jazeera

At least 555 people have been killed across Iran in joint US-Israeli attacks targeting 131 counties so far, according to the Iranian Red Crescent as fighting escalates across the Middle East. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s National Security Council, rejected claims in US media he has made a renewed push to resume nuclear negotiations with Washington, saying Tehran has not sought fresh talks. Israel said it is striking at the “heart of Tehran” and has launched attacks on Lebanon after Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets at northern Israel. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 31 people were killed and 149 others wounded in Israeli air attacks. In the Gulf, Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said several US warplanes crashed inside the country, adding that all crew members survived. US President Donald Trump warned that attacks on Iran would continue until all objectives are achieved and vowed to avenge the deaths of three US soldiers. Meanwhile, a fire broke out at Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura oil refinery after debris from two intercepted drones fell on the facility, according to the Saudi Defence Ministry. British Foreign Minister Cooper said a drone that struck a UK military base in Cyprus hit the runway. The US embassy in Bahrain warned that “terrorist groups” are intent on attacking US citizens. A security source told Al Jazeera that a joint Israeli-US missile strike targeted sites belonging to the Iran-backed paramilitary group Kataib Hezbollah in Jurf al-Sakhr, south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.  

The government is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad said on Sunday. He made the remarks while meeting passengers stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport due to the escalating tensions in the region. The minister visited the airport to assess the situation, listened to the concerns of stranded passengers and assured them that the government is by their side during this difficult time. The minister said ensuring the safety and welfare of passengers is the government’s priority. He said coordination with relevant authorities is ongoing to facilitate the resumption of travel as soon as the situation stabilises. He urged everyone to remain patient. Several international flights have already been canceled amid rising tensions in the Middle East following attack on Iran by US and Israel . Flights to destinations including Amman, Kuwait, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain have been suspended, leaving many Umrah pilgrims stranded at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, said a PID handout. Airport authorities and related agencies are working to manage the situation and provide information to passengers.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced a sixth wave of attacks on US and Israeli targets in the Middle East, state media reported. The IRGC said it launched “extensive missile and drone” strikes on 27 US military bases, Israel’s Tel Nof airbase, the Israeli army’s command center at HaKirya in Tel Aviv, and a major defence industrial complex in the city. Iranian forces warned that they would “carry out a different and harsh step of revenge, with successive, regrettable slaps,” signaling more retaliatory operations.

Coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets have sharply escalated global tensions, triggering widespread concern over the risk of a broader regional conflict. World leaders and neighbouring countries have urged restraint as fears grow that the rapidly intensifying situation could spiral into a wider war. Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, on Saturday evening said at least 201 people were killed and more than 700 injured. U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Iranian public to “seize control of your destiny” by rising up against the Islamic leadership that has ruled the nation since 1979. In a video announcing the “major combat operations," Trump told Iranians that “when we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." Meanwhile, Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the region, and exchanges of fire continued into the night. Some of the first strikes on Iran appeared to hit near the offices of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Smoke rose from the capital as part of strikes that Iranian media said occurred nationwide. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are alive “as far as I know,” and called the attack “unprovoked, illegal and absolutely illegitimate.” He also said Iran will continue to exercise its inherent and lawful right of self-defense until the ongoing aggression by the United States and Israel is ceased “fully and unequivocally.” Araghchi made the remarks in a letter to the UN secretary-general and the president of the UN Security Council on Saturday. Besides, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has denounced the United States and the Israeli regime for killing civilians, including dozens of students in a primary school, in their unprovoked attacks on Iranian cities. “The US & Israel launched an egregious, unwarranted act of aggression against Iran by indiscriminately targeting Iranian cities. In just one single case, they targeted a primary school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, killing and maiming tens of innocent young girls,” Baqaei wrote in a post on his X account on Saturday afternoon. Calling the attack on the school “a blatant crime” he said, “The world must stand up to this grave injustice and the UNSC must act now in exercise of its primary responsibility under the Charter.” How world leaders react Global leaders have voiced deep concern following military strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, warning of the risk of a wider regional conflict across the Middle East. The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, called for “restraint” and urged all parties to “see reason, to de-escalate, and for a return to the negotiating table.” “I deplore the military strikes across Iran this morning by Israel and the United States of America, and the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran,” he said, stressing that civilians ultimately bear the brunt of armed conflict. He reminded those involved that protecting civilians is “paramount” under international law. The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described the latest developments as “perilous.” A spokesperson for the Government of the United Kingdom said London does not want to see “further escalation into a wider regional conflict.” The statement emphasised that the immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region, adding that Britain stands ready to protect its interests. Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired a meeting of the government’s emergency Cobra committee and is expected to hold a series of calls with allies. The BBC reported that the UK was not involved in the US-Israeli strikes. Germany said it had been informed of the attack in advance, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz consulting relevant security ministers. In Rome, the office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she had held a conference call with ministers and intelligence chiefs and would consult allies and regional leaders to support efforts aimed at easing tensions. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his country supported the US in acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and from continuing to threaten international peace and security. Meanwhile, Russia condemned the US-Israeli strikes, calling them a “reckless move.” The Russian foreign ministry said it was “condemnable” that the attacks were being carried out under what it described as the guise of renewed negotiations, referring to recent US-Iran nuclear talks. Moscow also urged the international community to assess what it termed “irresponsible actions aimed at undermining peace, stability, and security” in the region. As diplomatic activity intensifies, world leaders continue to call for restraint, warning that any further escalation could destabilise an already volatile Middle East. Oil prices poised for volatility amid fears of wider conflict Oil markets, currently closed for the weekend, are expected to see sharp price swings next week as uncertainty lingers over the impact of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Middle East oil supplies. Earlier projections suggested any price spike would be short-lived if oil shipping routes and infrastructure—such as Iranian pipelines and the Kharg Island terminal—remain unaffected. However, disruption to infrastructure or tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a sharper and more prolonged surge. Brent crude has already climbed to a seven-month high of $72.87. Iran exports about 1.6 million barrels per day, mostly to China, and any disruption could push Chinese buyers to seek alternative supplies, driving global prices higher. Around 20% of global oil passes daily through the Strait of Hormuz, used heavily by Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the UAE. Analysts say Iran is unlikely to close the strait as it would harm its own exports and key customer China. Pre-conflict forecasts suggested limited strikes could raise prices by $5–$10 on market fears alone, while a broader war disrupting tanker traffic could push crude above $90 per barrel and send U.S. gas prices well above $3 per gallon, from last week’s average of $2.98.   # With input from agencies  

African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Saturday expressed "deep concern" over the military escalation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation threatens to worsen global instability. In a statement issued Saturday, the chairperson said he is "deeply concerned by the reported military strikes carried out by the United States in coordination with Israeli forces against targets inside Iran, an escalation that marks a serious intensification of hostilities in the Middle East." At least 51 students killed as US-Israel strikes on Iran escalate into regional crisis Calling for restraint, urgent de-escalation and sustained dialogue, Youssouf stressed that all parties must act fully in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter to safeguard international peace and security. He warned that further escalation threatens to worsen global instability, with serious implications for energy markets, food security and economic resilience, particularly in Africa, where conflict and economic pressures remain acute. The commission chief urged all concerned actors to prioritize diplomatic engagement to prevent a further deterioration and uphold the international rules-based order. Iran’s IRGC chief, defence minister reportedly killed in Israeli strikes "Sustainable peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, not through force," Youssouf said.