#economies

The Guardian | Drive slower, work from home and ditch the tie: the world responds to Iran war energy crisis by Ajit Niranjan Environment correspondent Oil crisis triggered by blockade of strait of Hormuz prompts emergency measures to protect supply and halt rising prices Shrinking fuel stocks and soaring prices are leading countries around the world to burn coal, ration fuel, shorten work weeks and tell citizens to stay at home. Fossil fuel supplies have reduced since the war against Iran led to the closure of the strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil and seaborne gas. The shortfall has prompted emergency measures as government’s attempt to halt rising costs that have thrown economies into chaos. Continue reading... Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/02/world-response-iran-war-energy-crisis-oil #fossilfuels #oil #economies #energycrisis

#London Northwestern #Railway and West #Midlands Railway will return to public ownership on 1 February 2026, bringing all West Midlands #Trains services under government control. From that date, around half of all rail journeys overseen by Great #British #Railways will be run by publicly owned operators. The government says the move supports plans for a simpler, more integrated rail system with more reliable, affordable and better-connected services. The routes connect #Liverpool, #Birmingham, London and destinations across the West Midlands, supporting jobs, education and local #economies. West Midlands Trains becomes the fourth operator to transfer under the Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Act, alongside a rail fare freeze. More than 8,500 publicly owned services now run each day, with official data showing stronger performance on punctuality and cancellations. Further transfers are planned as Great British Railways legislation progresses. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/london-northwestern-railway-and-west-midlands-railway-services-return-to-public-ownership