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5:47 PM · Apr 7, 2026
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6:45 PM · Apr 7, 2026Comment
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News outlets are reporting that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again......
Fragile ceasefire in the balance as Iran says it is halting Strait of Hormuz traffic
Iranian media reports oil tanker traffic through the key waterway was stopped after Israel attacked Lebanon.
Updated 1:09 PM EDT, Wed April 8, 2026
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Hong Kong:
Government announces short-term targeted measures to address rising fuel prices (with photos)
Ends/Thursday, April 9, 2026
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, chaired a special meeting today (April 9) and was briefed by the Inter-departmental Task Force on Monitoring Fuel Supply (the Task Force), which was earlier established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in response to the conflict in the Middle East region. The fluctuations in international oil prices and their impact on Hong Kong's overall economy, trade and various industries, as well as the Government's work and recommendations, were reported.
In view of the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East region, the Chief Executive has earlier directed the establishment of the Task Force to monitor and assess geopolitical changes and fuel supply and prices, to ensure the stability of Hong Kong's energy supply, and to examine the impact of oil price fluctuations on various industries. The Task Force is led by the Financial Secretary, and its members include the Deputy Financial Secretary, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, the Government Economist, and the Chairman of the Competition Commission.
The Acting Financial Secretary, Mr Michael Wong, briefed the Chief Executive at the meeting on the local fuel supply situation and the trend movements of international energy price, as well as the measures already taken by the HKSAR Government. The key points of the briefing and related measures are as follows:
(1) Ensure a robust energy supply. Currently, around 80 per cent of Hong Kong's oil products come from the Chinese Mainland. The HKSAR Government has maintained close communication with the Central Government and various Mainland authorities to ensure that Hong Kong's energy supply remains stable with the country's support.
(2) Request local stakeholders to maintain a stable fuel supply. The Environment and Ecology Bureau (EEB) has met with major local auto-fuel suppliers, requesting them to maintain a stable auto-fuel supply in Hong Kong. All suppliers indicated that the auto-fuel supply in Hong Kong is currently normal and that they will continue to strive to maintain a stable supply. The EEB has also confirmed with the two power companies and the Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited that the fuel supplies for electricity and town gas production remains normal.
(3) Facilitate the public to monitor changes of local retail auto-fuel prices. Starting from April 1, the EEB releases, on a weekly basis, the trend movements of the seven-day moving average retail prices, after walk-in discounts, of unleaded petrol and diesel from local oil companies, together with the trends in international benchmark prices of refined oil products for the same period, to enhance the transparency of market and price. The Competition Commission has also met with the fuel companies, emphasising the importance of fair competition and information transparency. The Competition Commission will continue to closely monitor the market for any instances of price collusion or unfair competition to ensure fair market operations.
(4) Continue to closely monitor the international situation and energy price trends. The situation in the Middle East has driven up international oil prices. The price of crude oil at one point surged to nearly US$120 per barrel. As the situation has developed further this week, crude oil prices have shown a gradual decline. However, the price of refined oil remained high, and the market is closely monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East.
The Task Force recommended that in formulating support measures, the Government shall have regard to the following principles:
(1) Given that fluctuations in crude oil prices have a broad impact across society and considering the Government's fiscal constraints, priority should be given to the operational sectors that are most severely affected and that involve public services;
(2) If the service prices of the operational sectors are subject to regulatory approvals by the Government, these matters shall be addressed through the existing approval mechanism;
(3) The use of private vehicles for self-use, being a matter of personal decision with alternative options available, shall not be considered a primary priority;
(4) Given the unpredictability of the military conflict and the ongoing ceasefire negotiations, any support measures shall be temporary and short-term in nature, so as to avoid creating risks to public finances; and
(5) It is considered that public transport services (including franchised and non-franchised buses, minibuses and ferries) as well as school buses and residential buses, whose operating costs are highly susceptible to fluctuations in diesel prices, should be regarded as priority sectors for consideration of support.
As the short-term trajectory of oil prices remains uncertain, the Task Force, after considering the above principles and prudently balancing various factors, including the Government's fiscal position and the principle of prudent use of public funds, recommends implementing four targeted temporary measures. They are:
(1) Subsidising diesel prices to alleviate the impact of high oil prices on public services provided by relevant industries. Although international crude oil prices have slightly receded recently, the pump prices of motor vehicle diesel remains high, and the future price movements is highly uncertain. This has placed an additional burden on commercial vehicles (including trucks, franchised and non-franchised buses, and minibuses) and vessels (including ferries, passenger ships, work boats and fishing vessels) that mainly run on diesel, exerting a substantial impact on the economy and people's livelihood. Therefore, the Task Force has proposed a two-month subsidy of HK$3 per litre of diesel to support public and commercial vehicles and vessels and related industries that use diesel as fuel, with a view to reducing their operating costs and alleviating pressure to raise prices. The relevant subsidy measures is estimated to cost approximately HK$1.8 billion. The EEB will work with the Competition Commission to monitor the pricing practices of each fuel company to ensure that they do not take advantage of the occasion.
As for the majority of taxis and public light buses, they primarily use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as fuel, the price of which currently remains stable. The Task Force will continue to monitor price movements and consider the matter further where appropriate.
(2) Tunnel toll reduction for non-private cars. The government will reduce tunnel tolls by 50 per cent for all commercial vehicles (including goods vehicles, buses, minibuses, and taxis) using government-operated toll tunnels, excluding private cars and motorcycles. The measure will last for two months and is expected to result in a revenue reduction of approximately HK$160 million. The government will work with toll service providers to adjust the toll collection systems in order to implement the reduction as soon as possible.
(3) Establishing a Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications to expedite and assist public transport operators (including public buses and ferries) in their applications relating to responding flexibly to rising fuel costs
The Task Force recommends establishing a Working Group on Public Transport Service Special Applications under its purview. The Working Group will maintain communication with public transport service operators. Taking into account the overall operating environment, operators' costs, and public affordability, while maintaining the stability and normal operations of public transport services, the Working Group will assist in expediting the approval of relevant applications submitted by public transport operators in response to rising fuel costs. This includes considering ways to enhance overall operational efficiency through service integration and introducing energy-saving measures. The Working Group will be chaired by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, with the Secretary for Environment and Ecology as deputy chair. Members include the Commissioner for Transport and the Government Economist.
(4) Dynamically monitoring the evolving situation and changes in oil prices, and adjusting measures according to actual circumstances
The impact of the situation in the Middle East on Hong Kong's overall economy largely depends on whether the military conflict continues, expands, or escalates. The Task Force will continue to conduct dynamic assessments, co-ordinate bureaux and departments to prepare contingency plans, and formulate forward-looking strategies. The Task Force will also study different measures to alleviate the impact of rising oil prices.
The Chief Executive has accepted the four recommendations of the Task Force and has instructed the Task Force to implement the measures as soon as possible, while continuing to monitor developments and the latest situation.
The relevant subsidy measure requires the funding approval by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council (LegCo). The Government will liaise with the LegCo with a view to scheduling a meeting under the Finance Committee as soon as possible so as to facilitate the early implementation of the concerned measure.
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Islamabad ready to host historic talks for global peace
April 10, 2026
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Islamabad, filled with enthusiasm and pride, stands ready to host highly important and historic talks for global peace.
The city is enthralled by a spirit of jubilation and renewed optimism, reflecting the success of Pakistan's steadfast, tireless, and forward-looking diplomacy.
The gesture of a warm welcome, displayed through banners across the capital, underscores the sincere and passionate commitment of the Pakistani nation and its leadership to promote global peace.
The Islamabad Talks are a testament to the leadership's sincerity and principled vision, marking a landmark achievement that has filled the entire nation with immense pride.
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Interior Minister reviews security arrangements for US-Iran talks
April 10, 2026
(File Photo)
A meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad has reviewed security and other arrangements for the US-Iran talks.
Mohsin Naqvi said hosting the US-Iran talks in Islamabad after the ceasefire is a matter of pride for Pakistan.
He directed that every possible measure be taken to ensure hospitality and security for the visiting delegations.
It was decided in the meeting that the Red Zone would be completely sealed, with access allowed only to relevant persons. A control room has also been established in the Ministry of Interior in this regard.
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Dr. Sultan Al Jaber’s Post
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber Dr. Sultan Al Jaber is an Influencer
UAE Federal Government•191K followers
1d Edited
Open the Strait unconditionally - no strings attached
This moment requires clarity. So let’s be clear: the Strait of Hormuz is not open. Access is being restricted, conditioned and controlled.
Iran has made clear - through both its statements and actions - that passage is subject to permission, conditions and political leverage. That is not freedom of navigation. That is coercion.
The Strait was not built, engineered, financed or constructed by any state. It is a natural passage governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees transit as a matter of right; not a privilege to be granted, withheld or weaponized.
Conditional passage is not passage. It is control by another name.
The Strait must be open - fully, unconditionally and without restriction. Energy security and global economic stability depend on it. The weaponization of this vital waterway, in any form, cannot stand. This would set a dangerous precedent for the world – undermining the principle of freedom of navigation that underpins global trade and, ultimately, the stability of the global economy.
An estimated 230 vessels sit loaded with oil and ready to sail. They, and every vessel that follows, must be free to navigate this corridor without condition. No country has a legitimate right to determine who may pass and under what terms.
Energy producers must be able to swiftly and safely restore production at scale.
At ADNOC, we have loaded cargoes and we will expand production within the constraints of the damage we have suffered. We have a responsibility to our customers and our partners to move them, as long as the safety of our people is ensured.
Markets remain at a critical crossroads. The final cargoes that transited the Strait of Hormuz before the conflict are now arriving at their destinations.
This is where the paper traded markets are meeting physical reality, and the 40-day gap in global energy flows is truly exposed.
The immediate priority is clear: close that gap. Restore the more than 20% of globally traded energy that flows through this corridor. Rebalance markets. Ease the pressure on prices and the cost of living.
This is particularly urgent for Asia, where 80% of these cargoes are bound and half the world's population lives.
Every day the Strait remains restricted, the consequences compound. Supply is delayed, markets tighten, prices rise. The impact is felt beyond energy markets, in economies, industries and households worldwide. Every day matters. Every delay deepens the disruption.
The UAE has reiterated its position that following the substantial and illegal attacks on UAE civil and energy infrastructure, Iran must be held accountable and fully liable for damages and reparations.
Stability now depends on restoring real flows. Not partial access, not temporary measures, not controlled passage, but full and reliable supply.
That is how we slow the economic shockwave already moving through the system.
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16m ago / 9:39 PM EDT
Vance says no deal reached with Iran after 21 hours of talks
Vance said that after 21 hours of negotiating in Pakistan, the U.S. and Iranian delegations had failed to reach a deal to end the war.
more... https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/l...tan-rcna285140
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The White House
@WhiteHouse
10:06 AM · Apr 12, 2026
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The White House
@WhiteHouse
"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz." - President Donald J. Trump
10:06 AM · Apr 12, 2026Comment
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Screenshots:
3:52 PM · Apr 12, 2026
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6:20 AM · Apr 13, 2026Comment
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Ceasefire between US, Iran still intact: PM
April 13, 2026
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is still intact, and vigorous efforts are underway to remove bottlenecks in order to secure lasting peace in the region.
He was chairing a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Islamabad today.
The Prime Minister said it was the first time in the last 47 years that the leadership of both the United States and Iran came into direct engagement as a result of strenuous and sincere diplomatic efforts by Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump for agreeing to the ceasefire and sending high-level delegations to Pakistan for talks.
Shehbaz Sharif said the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, and the Iranian delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived in Islamabad for talks. Both delegations remained continuously engaged for 21 hours, which was unprecedented in recent history.
The Prime Minister further said both sides appreciated Pakistan's sincerity, hospitality, and mediation in hosting the Islamabad Talks. He said that, with the blessings of Allah Almighty, the talks provided an important opportunity to promote global peace.
The Prime Minister also lauded Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar as well as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with their teams, for their tireless efforts in securing the ceasefire and bringing both parties to the negotiating table in Islamabad.
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