Economy
Power cuts have led to a reduction in fertiliser production in Ukraine
Power cuts have been one of the reasons for the decline in fertiliser production in Ukraine. A shortage of fertiliser could lead to a 20% drop in crop yields.
In the war with Iran, the US lost and damaged military equipment worth around $3 billion
During three weeks of hostilities against Iran, a significant proportion of US military equipment was destroyed or damaged. The main losses were caused by strikes from Iranian missiles and drones.
20 million hryvnias a day. The Ministry of Economy has revealed how much the state spends on fuel cashback
The state fuel cashback scheme costs the budget around 20 million hryvnias a day. Citizens use the funds they receive to pay for utilities, among other things.
From 1 April, the excise duty on cigarettes will change in Ukraine: what will happen to prices?
From 1 April to 31 December 2026, cigarette manufacturers and importers in Ukraine must apply a multiplier of 1.1 to the minimum excise duty liability. The new rules apply to both filtered and unfiltered cigarettes and may affect the retail price of the products.
Europe and Canada invested $574 billion in the defence sector in 2025
The United States’ European NATO allies and Canada significantly increased their defence spending in 2025. At the same time, the United States’ overall contribution remains the largest within the alliance.
The EU has approved customs reform: an agency, a hub and a levy on parcels
On 26 March, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament agreed to overhaul the EU’s customs system as part of a wide-ranging reform. This involves the creation of a European customs agency, a customs data hub and a new EU-wide fee for the processing of goods in small import parcels.
Putin has asked the oligarchs to contribute to the budget amid a sharp rise in spending on the war in Ukraine
During a closed-door meeting with leading Russian business figures, Vladimir Putin discussed the continuation of the war against Ukraine and its funding. According to several sources, he stated his intention to continue the war and suggested that businesses make voluntary contributions to the budget.
Petrol prices have fallen sharply, but not at all petrol stations: fuel prices on 27 March
Prices at Ukrainian petrol stations have largely remained unchanged, but at one chain, petrol prices have fallen by as much as 3 hryvnias.
The US is allocating $25 million to help Ukrainian children return home
The United States is launching a new $25 million support programme to rescue Ukrainian children who, according to Ukrainian authorities, have been abducted by Russia. The programme will cover every stage – from search and rescue to repatriation and reintegration.
High petrol prices in Europe have sparked a boom in sales of second-hand electric cars – media reports
Demand for electric cars is rising rapidly against the backdrop of the war in Iran and rising fuel prices.
The US is stepping up fuel supplies to the private sector in Cuba
American suppliers have shipped around 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba for the private sector since the start of the year. This comes against a backdrop of restrictions on fuel supplies to the country’s public sector.
In the US, analysts are considering a scenario in which oil prices could rise to $200 a barrel
Donald Trump’s administration is analysing the potential consequences of a sharp rise in oil prices against the backdrop of a war with Iran. The focus is on preparing for various possible scenarios.
