Economy
Government neutralizes Mepco and drives fuel prices to historic highs
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
José Antonio Kast's government issued decrees tweaking the Mepco, allowing historic gasoline and diesel price hikes starting March 26. The move addresses surging oil prices from the Iran war and fiscal tightness, with relief for paraffin and transporters. Congress approved the bill after negotiations exempting SMEs from higher taxes.
Anti-Money Laundering Council executive director Matthew David has requested a transfer within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Arnold Kabanlit was designated as acting director to ensure leadership continuity. The move comes amid a major probe into corruption in flood control projects.
Reported by AI
The Bank of France has cut its GDP growth forecasts to 0.9% for 2026 and 0.8% for 2027 due to surging energy prices from the Middle East conflict. This adjustment is based on a main scenario of temporary hydrocarbon price increases. The bank also expects inflation at 1.7% this year.
Egypt's Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem held talks with a delegation from China Baowu Steel Group, led by Chairperson Hu Wangming, to explore ways to strengthen industrial and investment cooperation. The discussions aimed at expanding investments in priority sectors including steel production.
Reported by AI
China has officially designated 'ciyuan' as the translation for 'token' in AI, giving the tech term strong economic overtones. Liu Liehong described it as a value anchor for the intelligent era.
Colombia's Public Credit Directorate awarded one-year TES bonds at a cut-off rate of 13.494% in the March 24 auction, setting a new historical high. With 5.29% inflation, this yields a real rate near 8.2%. The outcome signals heightened fiscal risk perception among investors.
Reported by AI
The South Korean won opened at 1,503.2 against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, down 3.5 won from the previous session, amid mixed signals on U.S.-Iran talks to end their monthlong conflict. The White House said Wednesday that the two sides had held 'productive' discussions, while Tehran insisted no negotiations took place. Global oil prices have surged with the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, raising concerns for energy-import-dependent South Korea.
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