Tensions rise in the Persian Gulf

Tensions rise in the Persian Gulf

Author: BBC World Service May 6, 2026 Duration: 26:27

With the US and Iran trading fire in the Strait of Hormuz, the ceasefire wobbling and oil prices continuing to rise, Sam Fenwick discusses the latest developments as the situation in the Persian Gulf continues to fray.

We hear from Nikolas Tsakos, founder and CEO of one of the world's largest independent tanker operators, as well as trade union representative Sascha Meijer, on what this means for those stuck on tankers in the Middle East.

Elsewhere we tell you why the price of oil you hear on the news may be misleading, and what it could mean for your fuel bills if the US-Iran conflict drags into next year.

Plus, with fashion retailer GAP's co-founder Doris Fisher passing away, we speak to Catherine Shuttleworth on changing fashions of the high street.

Global business news, with live guests and contributions from Asia, Europe and the USA.

(Picture: US secretary of state Marco Rubio discussing the situation in the Strait of Hormuz within the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington DC, USA, on 5 May 2026. Credit: Kylie Cooper / Reuters)


Every weekday, the World Business Report from the BBC World Service cuts through the noise to deliver essential global business and finance intelligence. This isn't just a summary of market movements; it's a grounded analysis of the forces shaping economies, industries, and livelihoods across continents. You'll hear directly from the BBC's unparalleled network of correspondents, on the ground in financial hubs and emerging markets alike, providing context that turns headlines into understanding. Each episode focuses on the day's most pressing stories, from corporate mergers and policy shifts to technological disruptions and trade dynamics, all explained with the BBC's trademark clarity and depth. Tuning into this podcast means getting a truly international perspective, hearing how decisions in one corner of the world ripple out to affect prices, jobs, and opportunities elsewhere. It's designed for anyone who needs to grasp the interconnected nature of modern commerce, whether you're directly involved in the business world or simply want to comprehend the economic currents influencing daily life. The reporting is timely, authoritative, and always prioritizes factual accuracy, making it a reliable resource in a fast-changing landscape. For a concise yet comprehensive daily briefing on global economic affairs, the World Business Report delivers consistent insight.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 98

World Business Report
Podcast Episodes
Why diesel is rising quicker in price than other fuel? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
The price of diesel has risen nearly 90% since the start of the war in Iran according to ICE. Why is that more than other fuels?Plus Sarah Rogers hears why the price of subscriptions could rise after the World Trade Orga…
US allows Russian oil sales to tackle rising prices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:56
The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, says he will grant India a 30-day waiver to buy sanctioned oil from Russia to help ease supply concerns in the global market.It comes as the Qatari energy minister warns that all…
Can Gulf countries export oil before storage runs out? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:59
As global oil prices continue to climb, crude oil supplies from Iraq and Kuwait could stop shipping within days if travel through the Strait of Hormuz remains virtually halted. Plus, China cuts its economic growth foreca…
Strait talking: Energy markets rocked as conflict intensifies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:57
Natural gas prices spike in Europe after Qatar closes its LNG base. Meanwhile the Strait of Hormuz closure sends crude oil higher and its importance in the shipment of fertiliser ingredients could have major effects on g…
Iran: War in Middle East rattles global markets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
Airlines have grounded flights, one of the world’s busiest airports has shut, and oil prices are climbing after strikes in the Middle East. We hear from investors and analysts as they react in real-time to the US-Israel…
Review of the year 2025 - from tariffs to Labubu [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:27
Frey Lindsay looks back on the stories shaping the world of money and work in 2025. It's been a year where tariffs have grabbed many of the headlines and we hear from our correspondents around the world on the impact the…

«1...678910