Oil prices
South Korea's consumer prices accelerate to 2.6% in April amid oil shock
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South Korea's consumer prices rose 2.6 percent year-on-year in April, up from March's 2.2 percent and the fastest pace in 21 months, driven by soaring fuel costs from the ongoing Strait of Hormuz disruption. Government data confirmed the figures.
The Indian rupee continues to weaken against the US dollar. On Tuesday, it hovered around 95.36 in early trading. Since the beginning of this year, the currency has fallen by around 5.64 per cent.
Reported by AI
The U.S. military sank six Iranian small boats and defeated cruise missile and drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, allowing two American-flagged merchant ships to complete a safe transit under President Trump's 'Project Freedom' initiative. Separate incidents included an explosion on a South Korean-operated vessel and Iranian missile and drone strikes on the UAE—the first since the early April ceasefire—with the UAE reporting interceptions and casualties.
The Korean won opened at 1,519.9 per U.S. dollar in Seoul on Tuesday, hitting its weakest level in 17 years. Fears of global oil supply disruptions grew due to the escalating Middle East conflict. The KOSPI index also opened nearly 3 percent lower.
Reported by AI
Oil prices jumped 3% on Monday, March 29, with Brent crude nearing $120 per barrel, building on last week's rally triggered by US-Iran threats. Escalating conflicts, including fears of a US ground offensive in Iran and Iran-aligned Houthi attacks on Israel, fueled the surge amid supply disruptions in key shipping lanes.
Oil prices rose on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran threatened to attack energy facilities in the Middle East. Brent crude futures climbed to $113.20 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate reached $98.85.
Reported by AI
Iran targeted energy infrastructure in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE on March 19, 2026, in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its South Pars gas field shared with Qatar. Brent crude prices soared past $115 per barrel, with European gas prices rising over 30%, amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Leaders including US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traded statements on coordination and future actions.
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