IEA warns looming global energy crisis is worst in history

The head of the International Energy Agency has told the BBC that governments need to “be more vocal” about cutting energy usage amid what he called the “greatest global energy security challenge in history”. Dr Birol is now calling on countries to cut demand suggesting lower speed limits, avoiding air travel, even restricting the use of private cars. Last week the IEA coordinated the release of 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves, which is around 20% of the total reserves. However, the global oil price has only risen since then. David Harper has the latest.

Gold prices have fallen sharply from around $5000 per ounce to just over $4500. Traditionally seen as a 'safe haven' in times of global uncertainty, why is the price of gold dropping now? Banking giant JP Morgan Chase say they are now trialling software to analyse employee working hours. The firm say that this will enable them to prioritise staff wellbeing, but it has raised questions about the ethics of logging every video call or keystroke.

(Picture: People walk near farmland by the Zubair oil field near Basra, Iraq on March 9, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Essam al-Sudani)