World Business Report

How will rising oil prices affect airlines?

Jet fuel prices are surging as the war in Iran unsettles airlines and global travel. Leanna Byrne examines what it could mean for ticket prices and the wider economy. Also, a new weight loss pill from Eli Lilly promises to shake up the booming obesity drug market. And as Apple turns 50, what’s next for the garage start-up that became one of the world’s most powerful companies. (Photo: A general view of the PCK refinery, a crude oil processing facility supplying gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and fuel oil, in Schwedt/Oder, Germany, March 31, 2026. Credit: Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Could there be a revival of the coal industry?

South Korea has lifted caps on electricity from coal and the Philippines and Vietnam are boosting coal-fired power. Sarah Rogers explores whether or not the coal industry could see a long-term revival. Plus, we hear from the man behind the 'i' in iMac as Apple turns fifty years old.

Two of the biggest names in your kitchen could soon be joining forces

Unilever, the company behind brands like Hellmann’s and Knorr, has agreed to combine its food business with US spice and flavour giant McCormick & Company. What does it tell us about where big consumer brands are heading next? Also, South Africa cuts fuel duties as the impact of the war in Iran feeds through to prices at the pump. Leanna Byrne hears from a business person and our correspondent who has been out to witness the situation. (PHOTO: Hellmann's, a brand of Unilever, is seen on display in a store in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 24, 2022. (Credit: Reuters/Andrew Kelly/File Photo).

Why Sri Lanka is raising electricity prices for most households

The Sri Lankan government has increased electricity prices for most households by more than 8% as fuel costs surge due to the Iran conflict. Plus, Bisi Adebayo looks at the impact the war is having on jet fuel costs and how British and American food giants, Unilever and McCormick, have agreed a deal to combine parts of their food businesses.

Kharg Island: What role does it play in Iran’s economy?

The White House deflects questions about US threat to hit Iranian energy infrastructure. President Trump expects Iran to make a deal to end the war. He has said he'd strike targets including electricity plants, and Iran's main oil-exporting site, Kharg Island. Presenter Andrew Peach examines what this all means for Iran and its neighbours in the Middle East. (Photo: A handout satellite image made available by Copernicus, the European Union's Earth Observation Programme, on 14 March 2026 shows Kharg island, Iran, 07 March 2026. Credit: European Union Copernicus Sentinel-2 IMAGERY HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock)