Prices

Qatar’s state-run energy firm says it has halted liquefied natural gas production after Iranian attacks, sending gas prices soaring in Europe, as Saudi Arabia announced it was temporarily shutting down some units of the Ras Tanura oil refinery located near the country’s eastern region after a fire broke out following a drone attack.

“Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products,” the world’s largest LNG producer said in a statement on Monday.

Shortly after the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe soared by almost 50 percent.

Earlier, Qatar’s Defence Ministry said the country was attacked by two drones launched from Iran. “One drone targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed, and the other targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, belonging to QatarEnergy, without reporting any human casualties,” it said in a statement.

“All damages and losses resulting from the attack will be assessed by the relevant authorities, and an official statement will be issued later,” it added.

The Saudi Ministry of Defence, in reports carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA), said two drones had “attempted to attack” the Ras Tanura refinery on Monday morning, and that a “small” fire had broken out after they were intercepted.

Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed plumes of smoke rising from the oil facility, located on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast. The ministry said the refinery “sustained limited damage”, but there were no casualties.

Ras Tanura oil refinery, one of the world’s largest oil processing facilities located near the eastern city of Dammam, has a capacity of 550,000 barrels per day. The facility is home to one of the largest refineries in the Middle East and is considered a cornerstone of the kingdom’s energy sector.

The attacks come as oil tankers have been piling up on either side of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and the bulk of Qatari gas flows.

The maritime disruptions and fears of a prolonged conflict have led to a sharp rise in global oil prices, which will have a significant impact on the global economy.

Iran has been launching retaliatory strikes, mainly targeting Israel and military facilities of the United States across the Middle East, after the US and Israel launched massive air strikes on the country.

In a statement published by SPA, the Saudi Ministry of Energy said some operations had been halted as a “precautionary measure” and that it did not foresee “any impact on the supply of petroleum products to local markets”.

Saudi Arabia had earlier said it would “take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory, citizens, and residents, including the option of responding to the aggression” after Iran targeted the capital Riyadh and the country’s eastern region with strikes over the weekend.

The US, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Iranian attacks across the region and affirming their right to self-defence.

Rob Geist Pinfold, lecturer in defence studies at King’s College London, told Al Jazeera that Iran “knows exactly what it’s doing” by attacking the Gulf countries.

“These countries have less of an appetite for a fight because, at the end of the day, this is not their war. So, Iran is banking that they will want a ceasefire as soon as possible, that they will be pressuring the Trump administration. But we have no signs of that whatsoever so far,” he said.

Pinfold added that there seems to be a “show of force” and “of unity” coming from the Gulf states, at least rhetorically.

“They’re trying to get the message across that they are one and that they are united and that they are resilient,” Pinfold said. “But under the surface, there are profound disagreements here about how to engage with Iran and whether to engage with Iran at all.”

Published on
02/03/2026 – 6:42 GMT+1

Oil prices climbed on Monday morning as investors assessed the economic impact of US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which triggered swift retaliation from Tehran targeting assets in multiple Middle Eastern countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

In early trade, the price of a barrel of US benchmark crude initially surged by about 8%. It later traded 5.9% higher at $71.00 per barrel. Brent crude rose 6.2% to $77.38 per barrel.

Traders were betting that oil supplies from Iran and elsewhere in the Middle East could slow or grind to a halt. Attacks across the region, including on two vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf — have restricted countries’ ability to export oil to the rest of the world.

“Roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas) flows squeeze through the Strait of Hormuz. This is not an obscure canal. It is the aorta of the global energy system,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary note.

A prolonged war would likely result in higher prices for other fuels and petrol, and could ripple through the global economy, adding to overall production costs.

Likewise, prolonged interruptions to oil flows through the Middle East would have “huge implications for oil and LNG and every market everywhere if it occurs. Energy is an input to all production,” RaboResearch Global Economics & Markets said in a report.

Iran exports roughly 1.6 million barrels of oil a day, mostly to China. Beijing may need to look elsewhere for supply if Iran’s exports are disrupted — another factor that could push energy prices higher.

However, China has ample oil reserves of up to 1.5 billion barrels and could offset a decline in Iranian oil by increasing imports from Russia, said Michael Langham of Aberdeen Investments.

The attacks had been anticipated, following a significant build-up of US forces in the Middle East, so traders had already adjusted their positions to account for that risk.

In other early trading on Monday, the price of gold — usually viewed as a safe haven in times of uncertainty — rose 2.4% to about $5,371 per ounce.

Elsewhere, futures for the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down about 0.8% by mid-morning in Bangkok.

Asian shares also opened lower. Japan’s Nikkei 225 initially fell more than 2%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng lost 1.6% to 26,215.91, while the Shanghai Composite was flat at 4,163.01.

Taiwan’s benchmark index fell 0.6% and Singapore’s dropped 1.9%. In Bangkok, the SET declined 2.1%, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.3% to 9,173.50.

Caracas, February 25, 2026 (venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan rice producers have staged demonstrations in recent days, demanding responses from authorities to secure fair prices for their harvests.

Campesino organizations from Barinas, Cojedes, Guárico, and Portuguesa states have held meetings with their respective governors and local representatives of the Agriculture Ministry to denounce pressure from agribusiness conglomerates imposing lower prices for their crops.

Victor Martínez, a rice producer and representative from a rural association in Portuguesa state, told Venezuelanalysis that there is an urgent need to establish appropriate crop prices with harvesting set to begin in the coming days.

“We are calling on the Venezuelan government, from Acting President Delcy Rodríguez to Agriculture Minister Julio León Heredia, to intervene and help set fair prices for rice that take into account our production costs,” he explained. “We cannot have the agroindustrial conglomerates imposing prices unilaterally.”

According to Martínez, rural producers sold rice crops at $0.50-0.55 per kilogram last year, and presently the Iancarina group, the biggest agribusiness firm in Portuguesa state, is offering $0.32-0.38 per kilo. Iancarina holds significant market shares nationwide in corn flour and rice distribution with its “Mary” brand and has ties to the US-based transnational commodities marketer GSI Food.

“These prices would mean the extinction of rice production, jeopardizing thousands of jobs in the countryside,” Martínez continued. “We urge authorities to establish dialogue mechanisms that take our production costs into account.”

The rice growers additionally denounced that corporations have recently imported rice to drive down crop prices and that Venezuelan producers cannot compete with international prices due to “exorbitant production costs.” AgroPatria, a state-owned company that supplied agricultural inputs to campesinos, was turned over to private group AgroLlano in 2020.

Martínez stated that $0.70 per kilo of rice is the price Portuguesa producers have set as a target in negotiations.

“There are too many hurdles to produce right now, from very expensive inputs to a lack of access to credit,” he went on to add. “The same agroindustry corporations offer financing but with draconian conditions and our profit margins vanish.”

According to Martínez, current financing agreements see companies supply inputs and then collect as much as 60 percent of the crop as payment. 

“Agribusiness oligopolies say that they are better off just importing rice, which carries no risk for them. But no country can survive without agriculture.” He concluded with a call for halting imports and extending state support to campesino producers.

In recent days, rural collectives in different states have shared their production costs and come up with different proposals for Venezuelan authorities. They are likewise weighing the possibility of staging a rally in Caracas to demand the intervention of the Agriculture Ministry. Venezuelan government officials have yet to comment on the controversy.

In recent years, with the economy heavily constrained by US sanctions, the Nicolás Maduro government moved to liberalize agricultural policies, transferring former state competencies to the private sector, including provisioning of seed and fertilizer inputs and access to tractors. Fuel subsidies have likewise been phased out, with small-scale producers denouncing it as a major factor driving up production costs.

Campesino collectives have repeatedly drawn attention to a growing agribusiness influence both in the supply of inputs and the commercialization of harvests. Food conglomerates have used their control of silos and retail channels as well as imports during harvest season, to drive up profit margins by imposing lower prices on producers.

Apart from rice, farmers have condemned similar coercive practices with sugar and coffee. Standoffs have traditionally led to mediation from state authorities and a temporary agreement on prices. However, campesinos have repeatedly alerted that agribusiness firms stop honoring established prices or delay payments to take advantage of the Venezuelan currency devaluation.

Edited by Lucas Koerner in Fusagasugá, Colombia.

The beautiful UK town boasts a historic high street and riverside setting

From quaint Cotswold hamlets to coastal retreats, Britain boasts an array of beautiful towns. England harbours some of the nation’s most enchanting villages alongside numerous riverside treasures, including Marlow.

Situated in Buckinghamshire on London’s doorstep, Marlow’s characterful high street and charming location draw visitors nationwide, whilst retaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Nestled along a picturesque stretch of the Thames and embraced by the undulating Chiltern Hills, the town is recorded in the Domesday Book as an established community, prized for its rich soil and river access.

Subsequently, as a crossroads and commercial hub, it flourished and gained recognition for its malting and brewing industries.

During the 19th century, bridge construction enhanced Thames crossings, whilst the later arrival of rail links strengthened connectivity and spurred expansion, reports the Express.

Today, it stands as a prosperous residential and recreational haven celebrated for its waterside location, rowing traditions and exceptional culinary offerings.

Visitors will find abundant attractions and activities, from hiring rowing boats to picnicking at Higginson Park to admiring the distinctive Marlow Bridge.

The high street proves equally popular, drawing crowds with its delightful independent boutiques, art galleries and specialist retailers. Notable shops include Mint Velvet, Whistles, The White Company, Space NK, Waterstones, plus independent favourites such as The Cheese Shed, The Marlow Bookshop, and The Dresser. The Marlow Regatta and rowing traditions form the backbone of local life, with competitive rowing firmly embedded in the town’s sporting DNA.

Marlow also hosts regular markets where shoppers can discover local produce, including mouth-watering ice cream and artisan sourdough bread.

The town has earned a strong reputation for its culinary offerings, boasting award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants.

The Hand and Flowers stands as the town’s most renowned eatery, having made history as the first pub in Britain to secure two Michelin stars – an accolade it maintains to this day.

Run by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, it transforms traditional British fare through sophisticated techniques and punchy flavours within a laid-back, upmarket gastropub atmosphere. That said, eating here requires deep pockets, with set Sunday lunch prices hovering around £195.

Property and living expenses typically exceed the national average, mirroring its appeal and convenient commuter location.

Average house prices in Marlow have reached £735,793 over the past year. Most properties changing hands in the town during this period were detached houses, fetching an average of £952,833.

Currently, more than 200 properties are available for purchase in the town, with the priciest listing commanding an eye-watering £11 million.

The town also benefits from proximity to Maidenhead and Bourne End, with excellent transport connections.

In TripAdvisor reviews highlighting the town’s top attractions, numerous visitors recommended a riverside walk along the suspension bridge. One user commented: “It’s so peaceful and relaxing. There’s even an ice cream van in the summer months.”

Another shared: “We go here all the time in summer. Lots to do and I’d recommend the Compleat Angler pub.”

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

KERRY Katona and her partner Paolo Margaglione are brushing off their drama-filled week with a night out in London.

The Sun revealed yesterday how Paolo was hit by Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews in a bust-up during their recent trip to Dubai, where they went to visit the couple.

The incident was the first time Kerry and her partner were meeting her best pal’s new man, following their whirlwind romance, with the trip turning sideways just hours in.

But seemingly not letting it get to them, Kerry and Paolo headed to the capital from their Cheshire home to celebrate her daughter Heidi’s 19th birthday.

Heading to celeb hotspot Sheesh Mayfair, Kerry enjoyed cocktails as she filmed herself dancing with Paolo.

Appearing in high spirits, the pair giggled as Kerry captioned the clip: “Mums and dads on the loose.

SLURRED SPEECH

‘Pregnant’ Katie Price slurs in video after Lee PUNCHED Kerry Katona’s man

QUICK ESCAPE

Kerry Katona’s boyfriend fled the country hours after Katie Price bust up

“Can you tell we don’t get out often?”

In another video, Kerry planted a kiss on Paolo, who beamed for the camera.

Kerry and Paolo headed to Dubai last week for a Valentine’s Day getaway, where they met close friend Katie and her husband Lee, who are on their honeymoon after a surprise wedding.

While the two couples appeared in high spirits when Kerry and Paolo touched down in the UAE, Kerry later said that Paolo had to head home “urgently” due to a work commitment.

But yesterday, we revealed that the dad-of-two actually locked horns with Lee, who took a strike at him.

An onlooker told us: “Lee was having some cross words with Katie. He was acting in what appeared to be an aggressive manner.

“Paolo then appeared and stepped in. Lee seemed to be very angry and was shouting at him.

“It all got very heated and Lee threw some punches and one of them landed Paolo square on the head.”

The incident happened in a public part of the hotel where Kerry and Paolo had been staying, with onlookers seeing what went on.

Kerry is thought to not have been present at the time of the altercation.

KERRY Katona’s boyfriend Paolo Margaglione left Dubai just hours after he was punched by Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews.

The Sun revealed today that Paolo was struck by Lee during his joint holiday with Kerry and her long-time pal Katie.

In her most recent New! Magazine column, Kerry revealed that Paolo had to leave their Dubai getaway ‘urgently’ after just a day in the country.

Despite the star describing it as a “work emergency”, The Sun’s revelation about Paolo and Lee’s bust up means that the former left just hours later.

Kerry wrote in her column: “Paolo and I travelled to Dubai for a romantic getaway for our first Valentine’s Day, where we had a mega-quick 20-minute catch up with Katie Price and her husband Lee.

“But unfortunately, during the trip, Paolo had to go back to the UK for a work emergency.

kat fight

Katie Price’s husband PUNCHES Kerry Katona’s terrified boyfriend in furious row

LOST HOPE

Katie Price’s sister shares post about ‘coming to your senses’ amid baby claims

“I got to spend literally 14 hours with him before he had to leave, which meant I was left alone in Dubai, which we were both gutted about.“

Earlier today, we told how during Paolo’s 14 hours in Dubai, he crossed wires with Lee.

An onlooker said: “Lee was having some cross words with Katie. He was acting in what appeared to be an aggressive manner.

“Paolo then appeared and stepped in. Lee seemed to be very angry and was shouting at him.

“It all got very heated and Lee threw some punches and one of them landed Paolo square on the head.”

The incident happened in a public part of the hotel where Kerry and Paolo had been staying, with Kerry thought to not have been present at the time of the altercation.

Katie and Kerry have been friends for over two decades, with the pair even heading on tour together earlier this year.

An onlooker added: “It was crazy to see this play out. The situation seemed to be pretty heated but then it erupted very quickly. It all happened so fast.

“Paolo looked very shocked by what had happened and walked away. Katie didn’t look in a great way either, she seemed shocked.”

The Sun understands the relationship between Katie and Kerry has been strained since the incident.

Kerry has been with Paolo since meeting on Celebs Go Dating last summer, with the pair smitten ever since.

While Kerry married Lee – who claims to be a ‘millionaire’ businessman – in a whirlwind week last month, just days after they first met.

FOR years, Katie Price battled to fulfil her dream of having a sixth baby.

Now, following claims the 47-year-old has fallen pregnant with her new husband Lee Andrews, pals fear it’s a “huge mistake”.

In a scathing social media post aimed at Lee’s ex partner Alana Percival, who he was engaged to last year, Katie declared: “I’m having his child.”

The shock admission comes just weeks after their whirlwind wedding.

Katie’s family are said to be worried sick about her new relationship after his exes Alana and Crystal Janke claim they were hoodwinked by the businessman — branding him a lying swindler who preys on women.

Now friends have sensationally said it’s unlikely Katie wrote that she’s having Lee’s child – claiming it was posted by Lee instead.

BABY BOMBSHELL

Katie Price & hubby claim she’s PREGNANT as she says ‘I’m having his baby’

HAVING HIS SAY

Katie Price’s husband hits back after being accused of ‘f***ing over father’

One pal told The Sun: “Katie has tried for years to have another child. It’s been a very sensitive and vulnerable part of her life she has struggled with.

“Although a pregnancy should be happy news, Katie’s family say having a baby with Lee is another story entirely.

“It’s been a big enough worry that she is being conned by Lee – with fears Katie is paying for everything or being tricked or talked into handing over money to him.

“Although they weren’t happy with her rushing down the aisle, at least divorce was always an option.

“However, if her pregnancy claim is true, Katie will now be tied to Lee forever.”

Katie has bravely spoken about her desperation to conceive, having gone through heartbreaking rounds of IVF while filming a Channel 4 documentary, Katie Price: Making Babies in 2023.

Katie is already a mum to 22-year-old Harvey Price who she raised as a single mum after he was disowned by her ex Dwight Yorke.

She also shares Princess, 17, and Junior, 18, with her ex-husband Peter Andre and has two younger children with her third husband, Kieran Hayler.

She tried for three years to have a baby with her ex, car salesman Carl Woods before their turbulent split when Carl discovered Katie had cheated on him with former international polo star Jamie Morrison and traded sexy messages with an England footballer.

She sparked backlash after introducing three newborn hyper-realistic dolls to fans, which cost anywhere between £300 to a staggering £20,000 and are often used by mothers grieving the loss of a baby. 

After dating Carl, Katie soon moved on to Married At First Sight’s JJ Slater.

The couple suffered a devastating miscarriage a year later after conceiving the baby naturally – despite being told she had only a 1% chance. 

It was Katie’s fourth miscarriage, in addition to a previous ectopic pregnancy.

A fertility expert insisted she only had ”a couple of awake eggs” and was starting to show the first signs of menopause.

Weeks after breaking up with JJ, Katie posted photos of her wedding proposal, with flowers spelling “Will you marry me?” at Dubai’s Burj Khalifa hotel. 

The pair had struck up a relationship on social media before their whirlwind wedding last month, days after they met in person. 

He has not yet travelled to the UK to meet her family or kids.

Katie Price’s relationship history

We take a look back at the highs and lows of Katie Price’s relationship history.

1996-1998: Katie got engaged to Gladiators star Warren Furman – aka Ace – with a £3,000 ring. But their relationship didn’t make it as far as ‘I do’.

1998-2000: Katie described Dane Bowers as ‘the love of her life’ but she broke up with the singer after he allegedly cheated on her.

2001: Footballer Dwight Yorke is the father of Katie’s eldest child Harvey. He has had very little to do with his son throughout his life.

2002: Rebounding from Dwight, Katie famously had one night of passion with Pop Idol star Gareth Gates, allegedly taking his virginity.

2002-2004: Katie was dating Scott Sullivan when she entered the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!. He threatened to “punch Peter’s lights out” when chemistry blossomed between her and Peter Andre.

2004-2009: The jungle romance resulted in Katie marrying Aussie pop star Peter. They had two kids, Junior and Princess, before their bitter split in 2009.

2010-2011: Fresh from her break-up with Peter, Katie enjoyed a whirlwind relationship and marriage with cage fighter Alex Reid. They split 20 months after their Las Vegas wedding.

2011: Katie briefly dated model Danny Cipriani… but it ended as quickly as it begun.

2011-2012: They didn’t speak the same language, but Katie got engaged to Argentinian model Leandro Penna in 2011. He later fled home to South America.

2012-2018: Wedding bells rang once more after Katie met Kieran Hayler in 2013. They eventually called it quits after a rocky marriage.

2018-2019: Katie moved on quickly with Kris Boyson. They had an on-off romance for one year and even got engaged. They split for good in 2019.

2019: Katie was linked to Charles Drury during her on-off relationship with Kris. Charles, who also dated Lauren Goodger, has always denied being in “official relationship” with her.

2020-2023: Car salesman Carl Woods took a shine to Katie in 2020. Their relationship was up and down for three years. They broke up for a final time last year.

2024-2026: After weeks of rumours, Katie confirmed her relationship with Married At First Sight star JJ Slater in February 2024. The pair split in January 2026 after two years together.

2026: Katie shocked fans when she revealed she had married Dubai-based businessman Lee Andrews after a 48-hour engagement and only knowing him a week.

However, Katie claimed she’s pregnant with his child in a shock rant on Instagram today, writing: “Alana I know rejection doesn’t feel nice and I’m married to Lee Andrews the man you want and will never have again.

“Your constant lies and put downs is clearly showing how bitter you are, go live your life little girl.

“I know the truth and your now embarrassing yourself, go and have the little respect for yourself that’s left.

“I know all about you and who you are.

“At least I’m the real woman he has found and deserves, but please just enjoy watching us build our empire as I’m having his child.”

Feb. 17 (UPI) — Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as Iran partially closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping path, to conduct military drills.

Fars, an Iranian news agency, cited “security precautions” as the reason for the closure, with no indication of when the Strait of Hormuz will fully open again.

About 13 million barrels of crude oil were transported through the strait each day in 2025, making up about 31% of oil shipments by sea. It is the main seaborne export route for Middle Eastern oil shipping to Asia.

Iranian naval forces began the drill “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz,” on Monday.

The drill involves deploying drones capable of striking aerial and maritime targets and is “focused on enhancing operational readiness, strengthening deterrence, and reinforcing multilayered defense,” Fars reported.

Tuesday is the first time that Tehran has closed any part of the Strait of Hormuz since President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran in response to the killings of protesters.

The United States has posted warships on the Indian Ocean as Trump attempts to negotiate with Iran to scale back its nuclear program.

The United States and Iran held a second round of negotiations in Geneva on Tuesday. Trump was not present for those negotiations but said he would participate “indirectly.”