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Rip-offs at the petrol pump?

Fuel prices in Germany have become a political flashpoint. Since war broke out in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz was temporarily closed, global oil prices have surged. Crude oil quotations rose by around 20 percent to 84 dollars a barrel, and the wholesale price of diesel in Rotterdam climbed by 26 cents per litre – almost 50 percent. As a result, German motorists were paying an average of Euro 2.156 per litre for diesel and Euro 2.037 for Super E10 in mid‑March 2026.Petrol‑station leaseholders emphasise that they do not set their own pump prices. The industry’s lobbying group accuses the oil majors of selling fuel they bought cheaply at a huge mark‑up – behaviour described as “predatory capitalism”. Leaseholders receive none of the extra margin yet face the anger of customers. Convenience‑store sales are also collapsing because angry motorists buy nothing after filling up.Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s government has responded with a package of measures. Filling stations may raise prices only once a day at noon; price cuts are allowed at any time. Part of the national oil reserve will be released, and the competition authority will get more powers. Critics say this does not go far enough. The social welfare organisation SoVD warns that without a price cap consumers remain at the mercy of suppliers and calls for targeted relief for low‑ and middle‑income households. SPD politicians demand a price cap to ensure that consumers are not “fleeced”, while economy minister Katherina Reiche rejects the idea of a state‑financed fuel subsidy.

Shakira to wrap up world tour with Madrid residency

Pop superstar Shakira will wrap up her record-breaking world tour with a concert residency in Madrid at a custom-built venue, promoter Live Nation said Monday.

World gave Israel 'licence to torture Palestinians': UN expert

The world has given Israel "a licence to torture Palestinians", a UN expert said Monday, with life in the occupied territories "a continuum of physical and mental suffering".

Colombia says 80 troops on crashed aircraft, many feared dead

A military transport plane crashed Monday when taking off in Colombia, officials said, with at least 80 people aboard though there were conflicting reports about how many troops were dead and injured.

France turns to 2027 race to succeed Macron

With local elections done and dusted, France is pivoting towards electing a president to replace Emmanuel Macron next year, with the far right scenting its best chance yet to seize power.

Trump announces 'very good' Iran talks, shelving power plant strikes

President Donald Trump announced "very good" talks on Monday with an unidentified Iranian official after abruptly shelving plans to attack the Islamic republic's power plants.

New Mercedes GLC electric

The new fully electric Mercedes‑GLC is scheduled to appear in 2026 as a dedicated EV platform rather than an electrified version of the existing GLC. The initial GLC 400 4MATIC model uses two motors and a 94‑kWh battery, promising up to 406 miles of WLTP range. British order books opened in late‑2025 with deliveries due in mid‑2026. The recommended retail price ranges from £60 350 to £73 350 (about €70 000–86 000).Technical highlights:- Dual‑motor all‑wheel drive with 482–489 hp.94‑kWh battery; WLTP range up to 406 miles; some reports mention 443 miles.- Fast‑charging at 330 kW, taking 22 minutes from 10–80 %; AC charging at 11 kW (22 kW optional).4.3 s 0–100 km/h and top speed 210 km/h.- Interior features include the MBUX Hyperscreen (up to 39 inches), one‑box braking with high recuperation, air suspension with rear‑axle steering and Car‑to‑X connectivity, vegan materials and a spacious boot with 570 litres plus a 138‑litre frunk.

Namibia rejects Starlink licence request

Namibia said Monday it had rejected a request for billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink to operate its satellite internet services in the country, dealing the company a second setback in southern Africa.

Ex-model questioned in France over scout with Epstein links

A former Swedish model has been questioned in France by investigators analysing evidence that could implicate French nationals in the crimes of the convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, sources said on Monday.

UK sending air defence systems to Gulf: PM

Britain is sending short-range air defence systems to the Gulf to help counter Iranian missile attacks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Monday.