Economy
“The shadow economy is thriving,” said the MP, noting a significant slowdown in efforts to bring the economy out of the shadows
Danylo Getmantsev, Chair of the Tax Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, has stated that he is dissatisfied with the pace of the fight against the shadow economy. According to him, the state budget is set to fall short by more than 30 billion hryvnias in 2025, and the reserve allocated for combating the shadow economy has either not been used at all or has not been fully utilised.
Airfares set to rise due to the escalating situation in Iran – Bloomberg
Due to the sharp rise in oil prices, some airlines have started cancelling flights. Meanwhile, passengers are rushing to book tickets at the old prices, which has led to a surge in demand.
Despite the war, around 90 ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz
Since the start of the war with Iran, around 90 vessels, including oil tankers, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Despite restrictions on traffic, Iran continues to export oil.
EU experts have arrived in Ukraine to inspect the Druzhba pipeline: what does this mean for the pipeline?
EU experts have arrived in Ukraine to assess the condition of the Druzhba oil pipeline following its shutdown in January due to damage caused by a Russian strike. Naftogaz has stated that the technical team will assist in assessing the restoration of the infrastructure and the return of oil transit to European safety standards.
The government is tripling compensation for businesses for damaged property in frontline regions
The Cabinet of Ministers is expanding the war risk insurance scheme for businesses.
A new approach to collecting utility bills: what the housing law will change
A parliamentary committee is currently examining a draft bill entitled “On the Management of the Housing Stock”, which could change not only the rules governing the management of buildings but also the procedure for recovering debts for utility services. One of the most significant changes is the proposal that claims relating to utility debts should be filed not at the debtor’s place of registration, but at the location of the flat or building where the debt arose.
The Rada has backed a bill to protect street stalls, markets and small businesses
The relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada has recommended that parliament include Bill No. 15035 on the agenda and adopt it in principle; the bill aims to strengthen the protection of employment, self-employment and small businesses. The bill proposes to restrict government decisions that could lead to the closure of small retail outlets, the winding up of markets and job losses.
Oil prices surged following Iran’s attacks on the Middle East’s energy infrastructure
Global oil prices rose sharply on 19 March after Iran attacked energy facilities in the Middle East in response to a strike on the South Pars gas field. At its peak, Brent rose by more than $5 a barrel, with the market pricing in the risk of prolonged disruptions to energy supplies.
The NBU has updated its exchange rates for 19 March: the dollar, euro and zloty have fallen
The National Bank of Ukraine has set the official exchange rates for 19 March 2026. Compared with the previous day, the hryvnia has strengthened against the US dollar, the euro and the Polish zloty. According to the NBU, the official exchange rate for the dollar is 43.8960 UAH, for the euro – 50.5243 UAH, and for the zloty – 11.8353 UAH.
Coffee prices could fall in the wake of cocoa
Coffee prices are set to fall gradually. Market participants are anticipating a recovery in production in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer.
Ukraine and Spain have signed nine agreements: ranging from defence to railway modernisation
During President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Madrid, Ukraine and Spain signed nine documents on cooperation in the fields of defence, infrastructure, diplomatic education and technology. These include an intergovernmental agreement on technical and financial cooperation, agreements on the joint production of defence systems, and projects to modernise the railway network.
The Suez Canal has lost $10 billion: Egypt is counting its losses due to the crisis
Egypt has reported a sharp drop in revenue from the Suez Canal amid the security crisis in the Red Sea. According to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the country has lost around $10 billion as shipping companies are withdrawing their vessels from this route en masse.
