Business Why is petrol more expensive in Germany than most places in the EU? Germany has been hit particularly hard by rising petrol prices compared to the rest of the EU. A task force set up by the German government aims to counteract this while exposing the oil companies' profit scam. 18/03/2026
Economy Hormuz becomes world's costliest waterway after 300% premium surge Missile threats, soaring insurance premiums and suspended voyages are reshaping the trade that once went through Hormuz — and consumers will feel it within weeks. 16/03/2026
Economy Trump admin could suspend a century-old law in bid to curb oil prices The Trump administration is allegedly set to suspend the Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law. A waiver would allow foreign tankers to transport cargo between US ports as oil prices remain above $100. 12/03/2026
Europe News What are Europe's oil route alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz? Many European countries like Italy, Greece, Spain, Poland and Belgium rely on the Strait of Hormuz for imports or refining. Experts say the closure of this corridor will not cut off Europe’s oil supply, but will continue to drive up oil prices and disrupt markets. 04/03/2026
Libya Russian LNG tanker catches fire and sinks off the coast of Libya Libyan authorities said on Wednesday that the "Arctic Metagaz" tanker had sunk in the Mediterranean Sea between their coast and nearby Malta. 04/03/2026
Economy Another oil tanker hit by drone boat as Strait of Hormuz tensions rise An oil tanker has been struck near the Strait of Hormuz, marking another attack in the area that triggered an explosion and left one crew member dead. 02/03/2026
Economy First oil tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz according to Oman An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Musandam in the Strait of Hormuz. Four people were injured and all 20 crew members were evacuated, according to Oman's Maritime Security Centre. 01/03/2026
France French probe reveals Russian security agents on seized shadow tanker Two Russian nationals working for a private security company were confirmed to have been onboard a tanker seized by France in September, sources told French media. The vessel was suspected to be part of the Kremlin’s shadow fleet, carrying Russian oil and gas to evade Western sanctions. 23/02/2026
France France releases suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker after fine Oil tanker named the Grinch has left French waters after the company that owns the vessel paid a penalty worth "several million euros". 17/02/2026
Denmark Russia's 'shadow fleet' reported in Danish waters almost daily in 2025 Sailing from the Gulf of Finland and through the Baltic Sea, the ageing and poorly-maintained tankers mainly transport crude oil as well as refined products such as gasoline and diesel. 11/02/2026
Economy Russia's oil revenues dwindle as sanctions bite, hitting economy The Kremlin has resorted to higher taxes and borrowing to fill the gap left by dwindling oil revenues and slower economic growth. 10/02/2026
World News Record 6,000 sailors abandoned in 2025, mostly by shadow fleets In 2025, more than 6,000 seafarers were abandoned on 410 ships, marking the worst year for crew abandonment. The ITF recovered $16.5 million in unpaid wages. 02/02/2026
France France stops sanctioned oil tanker from Russia in the Mediterranean French maritime authorities for the Mediterranean said the ship, the Grinch, is suspected of operating with a false flag. 22/01/2026
USA US seizes sixth sanctioned tanker in effort to control Venezuela's oil Trump met with executives oil companies last week to discuss his goal of investing €86 billion in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution. 15/01/2026
USA US seizes another tanker triying to break Venezuela naval blockade The Olina seized Friday is "another 'ghost fleet' tanker ship suspected of carrying embargoed oil," US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. 09/01/2026
USA US seizes two more sanctioned oil tankers with links to Venezuela The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that it had provided "enabling support" to the US during its operation to seize the tanker. 07/01/2026