Business & Economy
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Middle East Conflict Disrupts Global Shipping and Air Travel
A prolonged conflict in the Middle East has significantly disrupted global air travel, impacting major Gulf aviation hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, threatening the successful "Gulf model" of aviation which has made long-distance travel more affordable. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) projects global economic growth to slow to 2.9 percent in 2026, citing Middle East tensions as a significant risk factor. South Korea is expanding fuel tax cuts to ease financial pressure on citizens amidst ongoing Middle East conflict. Additionally, India's fertiliser supplies are under strain due to shipping route disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, raising concerns about potential impacts on farm produce and food prices.
Vivo Energy Kenya Attributes Temporary Fuel Shortage to High Demand
Vivo Energy Kenya, operator of Shell stations, is experiencing temporary fuel stock-outs due to unexpectedly high customer demand, coinciding with rising global fuel prices. The company attributes recent temporary fuel shortages at some of its stations to stock-outs driven by increased demand and motorists stocking up in anticipation of price hikes. Meanwhile, Skyward Airlines will increase its ticket prices starting April 1, 2026, due to escalating aviation fuel costs, implementing a fuel surcharge on all tickets to address higher operating expenses. The Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK) is demanding the immediate suspension of new levies on fuel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), arguing they were introduced without public participation and will increase costs for consumers.
AI Weapons Raise Security, Economic Risks in East Africa
The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the production and trafficking of small arms poses significant security and economic risks in East Africa, according to a new report by the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA). African governments are urged to enhance financial oversight and transparency to combat a staggering Sh11.7 trillion ($90 billion) annually in illicit financial flows (IFFs) draining the continent. Separately, the second edition of the biennial International Exhibition of Extractive and Energy Resources (SIREXE) conference is scheduled to take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from November 18-22, 2026.
