Turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz sees oil price surge again

Brent crude, the international benchmark for crude oil, rose to settle at $103 a barrel, ending the day at the highest level in more than three years.

That’s as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most shipping, choking off one of the world’s most important energy routes. It leaves the oil market facing what analysts say could be the biggest supply disruption in its history, with no clear end in sight. Meanwhile, across Africa, the surge in oil prices triggered by the US Israel war with Iran is rippling across economies. Many countries on the continent import most of their fuel and that could quickly mean higher transport costs, inflation and pressure on local currencies. Leanna Byrne has the latest.

In New York, a bill has been introduced which, if passed, would see New York’s minimum wage rise to the highest in the country. Supporters say it would help workers cope with the soaring cost of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities. But many businesses warn the increase could force them to raise prices or cut jobs.

(Picture: Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz in the United Arab Emirates, March 11, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Stringer)