World’s energy watchdog orders emergency release of 400m barrels of oil to curb prices – as it happened

IEA’s oil release is largest in its history; UK government considering support schemes for households and businesses hit by surge in energy prices

‘I took two bites and had to spit it out’: candy makers are phasing out real cocoa in chocolate

Due to the volatile cocoa market, companies like Hershey are using replacement ingredients such as sugar, oil, milk and nuts

UK companies struggling to hire young people amid cost pressures, MPs told

Business lobby groups say firms less likely to take on staff with few qualifications or who have gaps in their CVs

IEA orders largest ever release of stockpiled oil to reduce crude price

Members agree unanimously to release about 400m barrels amid market volatility caused by Iran war

Labor must stop juicing house prices and make buying a home the Australian dream – not negatively gearing one

The rumours of action on the capital gains tax discount and negative gearing are louder than before any budget this century. But is the PM up to the task?

Porsche to cut more jobs after costly reversal of electric car strategy

German carmaker has struggled with rising competition in China, a key market for European luxury brands

US inflation stayed flat at 2.4% in February before effects of war on Iran kicked in

Effect of war on prices not reflected in data, as Trump says only ‘fools’ would think oil price shocks would be significant

Nearly 4,000 US meatpacking workers to strike at plant run by top Trump donor

Workers at JBS USA to strike Monday in what will be the first labor strike in the meatpacking industry in decades

‘Nothing off the table’ as Rachel Reeves considers ‘targeted support’ over energy costs

Chancellor does not rule out ditching planned fuel duty rise but tells MPs it is too early to gauge if consumers need extra help

Average UK mortgage rate tops 5% as lenders scurry to reprice loans amid Middle East crisis

More than 500 lending products pulled in biggest single upheaval since Liz Truss’s mini-budget in 2022

Richard Orna obituary

Other lives: IT manager at the energy solutions company Callisto

Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea FC sale cash may be under investigation as ‘proceeds of crime’

Documents filed at Companies House over 2022 deal could complicate row with UK over how money will be used

Wednesday briefing: From missing billions to nonexistent datacentres, inside Britain’s AI drive

In today’s newsletter: Enormous investments in artificial intelligence promised to transform Labour’s growth problems. The reality is much murkier

Why Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil hub is still untouched by US-Israel bombers

While some argue for destroying the terminal through which 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow, others caution of a global market ‘tailspin’

Reaching net zero by 2050 ‘cheaper for UK than one fossil fuel crisis’

Climate change committee finds move to renewable energy would also bring health, economic and security benefits