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Iran’s Military Rejects Trump’s Talk Of Negotiation, Israel And Iran Launch Airstrikes
Israel and Iran exchanged airstrikes on Wednesday, as Iran’s military rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion the U.S. was in negotiations to end the war which has roiled energy and financial markets, saying the U.S. is negotiating with itself.
The rejection of negotiations by the unified command of the Iranian Armed Forces, which is dominated by the hardline elite Revolutionary Guards, comes amid reports the U.S. has sent a 15-point plan for discussion to Tehran.
“Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you (Trump) negotiating with yourself?” the top spokesperson for Iran’s joint military command, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, said on Iranian state TV.
“People like us can never get along with people like you.”
“As we have always said … no one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever.”
Iran’s leadership has previously said it cannot negotiate with the U.S. as Washington has attacked the country twice during high-level negotiations in the past two years.
Iran had a “very bad experience with American diplomacy,” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told India Today on Tuesday.
There was no dialogue or negotiations with Washington, as Iran’s armed forces are focused on defending the country, he added.
Four weeks into the war that has killed thousands, created the worst energy shock in history and sparked global inflation fears, there was no letup in airstrikes from Iran and Israel on Wednesday.
The Israeli military said in a Telegram post it had launched a wave of strikes targeting infrastructure across Tehran. It later said its air force had struck two naval cruise missile production sites in Tehran.
The semi-official Iranian SNN News Agency said the strikes hit a residential area in the city, with rescuers searching the rubble.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia said they had repelled fresh drone attacks, without saying where they came from. Drones targeted a fuel tank at Kuwait International Airport, causing a fire but no casualties, Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority said.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it had launched a new wave of attacks against locations in Israel including Tel Aviv and Kiryat Shmona, as well as U.S. bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, Iranian state media reported.
Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday the U.S. was in “negotiations” with “the right people” in Iran to end the war, adding the Iranians wanted to reach a deal very badly.
Stocks rose and oil prices fell on Wednesday on reports the U.S. is seeking a month-long ceasefire and had sent a 15-point plan to Iran for discussion, raising hopes for a resumption of oil exports out of the Persian Gulf.
Ghana: EV Charging Stations Require Approval By Energy Commission – Energy Minister
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has advised individuals and companies seeking to invest in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to obtain approval from the Energy Commission before undertaking such ventures.
Ghana has approved a dedicated tariff of GH¢2.016 per kilowatt-hour for commercial EV charging stations, effective April 1. This marks a significant step toward formalising the country’s electric mobility ecosystem.
Currently, there are only a few commercial and private EV charging stations in the country. Recent data suggests that there are over 177,000 electric vehicles in Ghana.
Speaking before Parliament’s Assurance Committee on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Dr. Jinapor emphasised that while the Ministry of Transport oversees transportation, the Ministry of Energy is responsible for electricity supply.
“The concern of the Ministry of Energy is that these vehicles are consuming electricity and having a significant impact on electricity supply, especially in urban areas,” he said.
He added that the Energy Commission has already formulated a Legislative Instrument (LI) requiring approval before establishing EV charging stations.
“If you want to establish a charging station, you must obtain approval from the Ministry of Energy through the Energy Commission. You can buy whatever vehicle you want—we have no issue with that. But if you want to connect it to our grid, we need to plan for the capacity, the types of vehicles, and the rates to be charged,” he explained.
Dr. Jinapor stressed that this regulation is necessary to prevent local surges in power consumption and to ensure that the national grid can safely accommodate EV charging infrastructure.
“We need to plan for the kinds of vehicles you will be charging, the capacity required, and the rates to be charged. Is the transformer in the area even able to accommodate the charging port you intend to install?
“This will help ensure that we do not experience surges in power consumption due to the presence of charging stations in specific areas,” he added.
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Ghana: Energy Minister Denies Claims Contractor For Pwalugu Dam Was Unpaid
Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has denied reports suggesting that he claimed the contractor for the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, initiated by the previous government, was unpaid—a statement some interpreted as contradicting his previous comments while in opposition.
A flyer circulating on social media, captioned “Pwalugu Dam contractor was not paid”, attributed the statement to the Energy Minister.
The flyer included a snapshot of a May 2024 story with the headline “You’ll account for $12m pumped into non-existent Pwalugu Dam”, attributed to Dr. Jinapor when he was the ranking member on the Mines and Energy Committee in Parliament.
Responding to the report, Dr. Jinapor clarified that he never made such claims during his appearance before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Tuesday.
“I wish to state, in the clearest possible terms, that this publication is entirely false, misleading, and a gross misrepresentation of the facts,” he said.
He explained that at no point during the proceedings—which were broadcast live on various platforms—did he make the statements attributed to him.
Instead, Dr. Jinapor clarified, “I explicitly stated that the contractor had been paid but subsequently absconded with the funds without executing any corresponding work.”
He added: “I further informed the Committee that the matter is under active investigation and has been formally referred to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice for advice and possible prosecution.”
Dr. Jinapor also noted, “In response to a follow-up question from the Chairman seeking clarification, I reiterated that the contractor was not paid for any work done, thereby reaffirming my earlier position.”
According to him, attempts to distort these facts are not only unfortunate but also undermine public discourse and confidence in the management of critical national issues.
He therefore urged the public to disregard the false publication entirely and called on media practitioners and citizens to verify information from credible and official sources before dissemination.
Oil Prices Plunge Below $100 Amid Ceasefire Hopes
Crude oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trade on Wednesday, with both major benchmarks dropping more than 5% as traders reacted to signs of potential de-escalation in the Middle East conflict and a crude inventory build in the U.S.
At the time of writing, WTI crude was trading at $88.05, down 4.29%, while Brent crude had fallen below $100 to $98.45, down 6.04%.
The selloff follows a volatile 48 hours in oil markets, during which prices surged after President Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants, and then fell when he suggested the countries were moving toward an agreement.
New reports indicate that the U.S. has sent a potential peace framework to Iran, sparking hopes of a temporary ceasefire. Iran further contributed to downward pressure on prices by circulating a letter to the International Maritime Organization stating that “non-hostile vessels” could transit the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iranian authorities.
President Trump said negotiations were progressing and that Iran was “talking sense,” while reports suggested a 15-point settlement proposal could pave the way for a one-month ceasefire. However, Iran has publicly denied that direct talks are taking place.
Adding to the downward pressure, particularly for WTI, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported unexpected builds in crude and gasoline inventories for the week ending March 20.
Despite the price drop, underlying geopolitical risks remain significant, and the physical oil market continues to face supply shortages.
Malawi: William Kaipa Takes Helm At ESCOM Amid Power Sector Challenges
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has announced the appointment of Mr. William Kaipa as the new Chief Executive of the Corporation, effective April 1, 2026.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by Alfred M. Nhlema, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ESCOM.
It follows a deliberate and carefully considered Board process, undertaken in accordance with its mandate to safeguard the stability, performance, and strategic direction of the Corporation, particularly during periods of heightened strategic and operational urgency.
The Board acknowledges that, given the current critical state of the power sector—characterized by urgent system reliability challenges, ongoing infrastructure projects, and the need for accelerated reforms—an expedited and targeted executive search was both necessary and in the best interest of the nation.
Accordingly, the Board exercised its governance discretion, within applicable legal and policy frameworks, to identify and secure a candidate of exceptional calibre with a proven ability to deliver immediate impact at scale.
Engineer Kaipa is a distinguished professional engineer with over 37 years of experience spanning infrastructure, energy, and resources.
His career includes senior leadership roles at some of the continent’s most significant energy and infrastructure institutions, including Eskom, the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and Arup.
He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Pretoria, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Malawi, and is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
The Board is confident that Engineer Kaipa brings the depth of experience, leadership maturity, and technical authority required to stabilize operations, accelerate ongoing projects, and position ESCOM for long-term sustainability. His appointment reflects a strategic alignment of global expertise with national priorities, particularly as Malawi advances toward its MW2063 development agenda.
Given the complexity and immediacy of ESCOM’s operational challenges, the Board considered it imperative to secure a leader capable of delivering results from day one and into the future.
The Board reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and good corporate governance. This appointment represents a measured and exceptional decision, taken within the confines of the Board’s fiduciary responsibilities, balancing procedural norms with the urgent need to ensure continuity of leadership and service delivery.
Nigeria: Power Minister Apologises To Nigerians Over Persistent Outages
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has publicly apologised to Nigerians over poor electricity supply, which has resulted in persistent outages across the country.
He acknowledged that the blackouts have deepened hardship in homes, businesses, schools, and industries, especially amid the scorching dry-season heat.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister acknowledged the poor electricity situation and said: “I want to apologise to Nigerians—officially now, coming from me as the Minister of Power—for this temporary issue that is leading to hardship, especially during this dry season, where there is so much heat everywhere.
“Businesses are being affected, schools have been affected, and industries have been affected. It is not our wish to find ourselves in this situation, but it is due to some factors that are actually beyond our control,” he said, as reported by local media.
He, however, assured Nigerians that relief is imminent, providing a tentative timeline for improvement in supply.
“I can tell you, with the committee that we have set up, and commitments from gas suppliers, as well as the timeline for the repair of gas pipelines, that two weeks from now, we should start seeing improvements in supply. Two weeks,” Adelabu said.
According to him, the government already has visibility on when key repairs—particularly those involving facilities operated by Seplat Energy—will be completed. This is expected to restore gas flow to power plants.
He explained that a special committee has also been constituted to monitor compliance with domestic gas supply obligations by producers, a long-standing issue blamed for constraining electricity generation.
“We already have a committee working on this to track compliance with domestic supply obligations by gas companies to our power plants,” he said, adding that improved payment flows to gas suppliers would further incentivise supply.
Nigeria’s power sector, which largely depends on gas-fired plants, has been affected by disruptions in gas supply, worsened by pipeline maintenance challenges and liquidity constraints.
Adelabu acknowledged these structural issues, noting that while they are not entirely within the government’s control, efforts are ongoing to stabilise the system.
“We are working on it 24/7 to make sure that we return to the trajectory of 2025, when Nigerians commended us for a job well done,” he said.
The minister also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ramping up electricity generation to 6,000 megawatts before the end of 2026, describing the current disruption as a temporary setback in a broader improvement plan.
“Power generation will improve, transmission will improve, distribution will improve, and that 6,000 megawatts will be achieved before the end of this year. Nigerians will be better for it,” he assured.
He added that the government’s ambition is not just to recover lost ground but to surpass previous performance levels.
“If we could provide such service in 2025, this is 2026—we are willing to do more, to do even better,” Adelabu said.
Nigeria’s electricity sector has long struggled with a mix of structural and operational challenges, including inadequate gas supply, ageing infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks, and persistent liquidity issues across the value chain.
UAE: Iran’s Strait Of Hormuz Blockade Is Global Economic Terrorism
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Industry and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, has accused Iran of weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz by blocking the passage of international shipments.
According to Al Jaber, Iran’s decision to restrict shipping through the strategic waterway constitutes economic terrorism against every nation. The UAE has seen its LNG and much of its oil supply constricted at this vital chokepoint, following the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
“Twenty million barrels a day. Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Over a third of the world’s fertilizer. Almost a quarter of the world’s petrochemicals, and significant amounts of industrial metals,” Al Jaber said at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, referring to the Strait of Hormuz.
“In short, much of the oxygen of the global economy runs through a single throat. Yet, Iran believes that choking it is an acceptable strategy.”
Since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, daily traffic of over 100 vessels, including tankers, through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a trickle—only a handful of cargoes per week, all apparently approved by Iran for transit.
The disruption to the global energy supply has been immediate. Asian refiners are scrambling for non-Middle Eastern supply, paying record premiums for alternative crude grades, and cutting refinery run rates. Oil prices jumped by 50% in March, Asian spot LNG prices hit multi-year highs, and Europe’s benchmark natural gas price doubled within a month.
“Weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every nation. No country should be allowed to hold Hormuz hostage—not now, not ever,” Al Jaber said.
“And while we appreciate all efforts to stabilize markets and reduce prices, this is not a supply issue. It is a security issue, and it has only one durable answer: keeping the Strait open,” he added. “We cannot trade our way out of this crisis.”
Zambia: Gov’t Assures Fuel Security In Luapula
The Zambian government has announced measures to safeguard fuel supply in Luapula Province amid looming global disruptions.
Speaking during a tour of the Mansa-Tazama Fuel Depot on Monday, Luapula Province Minister Eng. Nason Musonda described the facility as a critical strategic reserve with the capacity to store up to 6.5 million litres of fuel, including diesel, petrol, and kerosene.
Eng. Musonda said the depot has been positioned to ensure a stable and orderly fuel supply in the province, particularly as global supply chains face uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions affecting key fuel routes.
He noted that the government is proactively exploring alternative supply mechanisms to maintain the flow of fuel and sustain economic activity.
He also emphasized that petroleum products remain central to driving the country’s economy.
“We are satisfied with the level of preparedness at the facility, and we urge Tazama Pipelines Limited to expedite remaining works, particularly the calibration of meters, to allow for commissioning by the end of next month.
“We also emphasise that once operational, the depot will have the capacity to sustain Luapula Province for over a month without fresh supply, while also reducing transportation costs as oil marketing companies will source fuel directly from Mansa instead of Ndola,” he said.
Eng. Musonda added that the government, through the Ministry of Energy, intends to stockpile fuel at the facility to cushion the province against supply shocks and ensure continued economic productivity.
Meanwhile, Mansa Fuel Depot Superintendent Mazimba Ng’onga said the facility comprises two diesel tanks with a combined capacity of 4 million litres, two petrol tanks holding 2 million litres, and an additional 500,000 litres for kerosene.
Ng’onga disclosed that while the depot is structurally complete, it is yet to be commissioned, with the first fuel stocks expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
He noted that once operational, the depot will significantly enhance fuel distribution efficiency in the region.
African Petroleum Ministers Snub Africa Energies Summit, Citing Local Content As Priority For Africa
African Petroleum Ministers have declined to participate in the upcoming Africa Energies Summit (AES) taking place on May 12–14, 2026 in London, citing serious concerns around local content, representation and the broader direction of the platform’s agenda.
The decision sends a strong signal from the continent’s oil-producing nations that local content remains a core priority for Africa’s energy future and that industry platforms operating under the banner of African energy must reflect the continent’s values and development objectives.
“By boycotting AES in London, the African oil industry is showcasing that local content is a priority. The message is clear: if Gayle and Daniel Davidson change their policy to be more inclusive, many Africans will work with them. The exclusionary policies are not reflective of our values and that of the oil industry. Frontier has an incredible opportunity to do the right thing,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
Across the oil and gas sectors, both emerging and established markets are integrating local content policies within their broader project fundamentals as a way to catalyze job creation, local participation and broader skills development. Regulation has served as a launchpad for local content development. Policies such as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGIC) and Angola’s Local Content Law have provided a strong foundation for local content implementation – and many projects are taking the lead.
The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project in Senegal and Mauritania not only designates a portion of gas for each domestic market but features a multi-pronged local content strategy focusing on supply chain, workforce development and social investment. In the development stage, the project offered an online portal where local suppliers registered their interest and engagement opportunities with the procurement team, while over 47 trainees participated in a multi-year program in preparation for offshore work. The project partners engaged in extensive community outreach, including health, education, economic development and environmental awareness. GTA exported its first cargo in 2025 and is working toward full-scale operations in 2026.
Similarly, the EG LNG project in Equatorial Guinea is a major local content driver. Operating since 2007, the project has placed emphasis on local workforce development and integration through several initiatives that promote participation and broader economic support. In addition to prioritizing local vendors and contractors, the Punta Europa plant and associated infrastructure employs over 1,400 people, with the larger Gas Mega Hub project – of which EG LNG is a central part – set to increase this figure to 3,000 people. Nigeria’s LNG plant also actively promotes local content through policies on Nigerian manpower development, technology acquisition and utilizing local contractors. The implementation of the NOGIC saved the LNG project $2 billion across its EPC stage for the seventh train.
Emerging oil and gas producers such as Mozambique, with three large-scale LNG projects underway, Namibia, which eyes first oil production by 2029, and The Gambia have all integrated local content regulations within their energy frameworks. This approach demonstrates a commitment to Africa, making companies like Frontier that much more disappointing. The African oil industry – as well as companies operating in seismic, services and policy – must take the local content lead.
“A lot of Africans feel that all the progress and gains made by our oil industry on local content are constantly being stomped on by groups like Frontier. We believe in Drill Baby Drill and local content, and we’re being told that there’s something wrong with it, that we should be ashamed of it in some way and that it needs to be replaced with discrimination. Many people are just sick of it. We’ve had enough, and we don’t want our whole oil industry stripped down to where we have no semblance of that sort of nostalgic African oil and gas culture that we cherish,” Ayuk adds.
The recent boycott by these ministers reflects a broader belief by the continent that local content must be an integral part of oil and gas operations. This includes discussions on the current and future state of the continent’s hydrocarbon industry.
“Gayle and Daniel Davidson are essentially marketing to a clientele that doesn’t exist, Let’s be clear: the oil industry does not and will not defend discrimination against black professionals. It’s not who we are. They both need to come clear and denounce this. This virtue signaling to a certain crowd does not help our goals for an inclusive oil industry,” concludes Ayuk.
Nigeria: Heirs Energies Invests $10 Million In 2,000 Startups
Nigeria-based indigenous integrated energy company, Heirs Energies, is supporting the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s (TEF) 2026 cohort of 3,200 African entrepreneurs, helping to drive enterprise growth and job creation across the continent.
The entrepreneurs, drawn from all 54 African countries, were selected from more than 265,000 applicants and unveiled in Abuja on Sunday by TEF Founder and Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR.
The scale of applications highlights both the depth of entrepreneurial activity across Africa and the growing demand for early-stage capital and business support.
“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs, and solve the challenges of our continent,” Elumelu said.
“Empowering entrepreneurs remains the most sustainable path to economic transformation.”
Heirs Energies said its support forms part of a broader strategy to link energy development with economic expansion, particularly in regions where access to capital, infrastructure, and opportunity remains uneven.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer Osayande Igiehon said the company is positioning its operations to deliver both energy supply and long-term economic value.
“Sustainable energy development must be matched by sustained investment in people and enterprise,” Igiehon said.
“Our partnership with the Tony Elumelu Foundation reflects a deliberate effort to expand opportunity while strengthening the communities in which we operate.”
Operating in OML 17 in the Niger Delta, Heirs Energies continues to deliver targeted interventions across enterprise development, education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
To date, the company has empowered over 500 youths through skills acquisition and enterprise development programmes, supported more than 1,621 students through educational grants, reached over 18,000 people through medical outreach programmes, and delivered more than 135 communities infrastructure projects, with additional projects at advanced stages of completion.
Beyond its host communities, Heirs Energies supplies gas into Nigeria’s domestic network, enabling over 350MW of electricity generation—powering homes, schools, and industries, and supporting broader economic activity.
Through its partnership with TEF, Heirs Energies has committed over $10 million to support 2,000 African entrepreneurs across two programme cycles.
In 2025, the company supported 1,000 entrepreneurs, with 40% from the Niger Delta, including over 150 from Rivers State.
In 2026, Heirs Energies is supporting another 1,000 entrepreneurs, with 50% from the Niger Delta, deepening its focus on its host region.
Women account for 48% of beneficiaries, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusive growth.
Within Nigeria, impact is concentrated in the Niger Delta—particularly in Rivers State and surrounding communities—alongside broader participation across the country and other African markets.
Across Africa, youth unemployment and limited access to financing continue to constrain business growth despite rising entrepreneurial activity.
Programmes such as TEF play a critical role in bridging this gap, combining capital with mentorship and training.
Heirs Energies said its continued collaboration with TEF reflects a shared focus on enterprise development, job creation, and broader economic participation across the continent.
Heirs Energies is an indigenous integrated energy company operating in Nigeria, focused on oil and gas production and domestic gas supply for power generation.
The company combines energy delivery with targeted investment in community development and economic inclusion.
Ghana: Clean Energy Chamber Welcomes Newly Introduced Electric Vehicle Charging Tariff
The Ghana Chamber of Clean Energy has welcomed the introduction of a dedicated electricity tariff for public electric vehicle (EV) charging for the first time in Ghana.
The approved tariff of GH¢2.016 per kWh, effective April 1, according to the Chamber, represents an important regulatory step toward establishing a clearer framework for the development of Ghana’s electric mobility ecosystem.
This development addresses an issue the GCCE has consistently raised in its advocacy and policy work.
In a statement, the Chamber referenced its recent Clean Ghana Outlook 2026, which highlighted the need for a clearly defined tariff category for EV charging as a foundational element for the growth of Ghana’s charging infrastructure market.
Prior to this framework, operators were classified under conventional commercial or industrial electricity tariffs that do not reflect the operational realities of EV charging businesses.
The Chamber said the introduction of a dedicated tariff therefore provides a level of regulatory clarity that is important for both infrastructure developers and investors.
EV charging infrastructure requires significant upfront capital investment and long planning horizons.
A transparent and predictable electricity pricing structure improves the ability of operators and financiers to assess project viability, structure investment decisions, and expand charging networks with greater confidence.
A clearly defined tariff framework also supports the gradual development of a national charging network by providing operators with greater certainty around operating costs, while giving consumers clearer expectations about charging prices.
These conditions are important for the early stages of market formation, when infrastructure deployment must precede widespread EV adoption.
Commenting on the decision, Seth Owusu-Mante, Executive Director of GCCE, noted that the announcement is an important step toward building the institutional foundations for Ghana’s electric mobility market:“Establishing a dedicated EV charging tariff is a practical and necessary step in creating a viable market for charging infrastructure, as it provides the type of regulatory clarity investors look for when considering long-term infrastructure projects.”
The Chamber said it will continue to actively engage with the PURC, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders to support the development of a robust EV charging market in Ghana.
Through this engagement, the Chamber will advocate for a tariff framework that supports ease of doing business for charging infrastructure providers, ensures commercially viable returns for operators, and encourages broader investment in and adoption of electric mobility solutions.
Trump Postpones Iran Power Plant Strikes As Tehran Denies Any Talks
U.S. President Donald Trump says he has directed the Department of Defense to postpone military strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, contingent on the outcome of ongoing meetings and discussions with Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Mr. Trump said the United States and Iran have held “very good and productive conversations” over the past two days regarding a “complete and total resolution” of their hostilities in the Middle East.
He added that, based on the “tenor and tone” of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive discussions—which are expected to continue throughout the week—he has instructed the Department of Defense to delay any and all military strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period, subject to the success of the ongoing talks.
However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has denied Mr. Trump’s claims, stating that Tehran has not engaged in discussions with the United States as suggested.
Slovenia Limits Fuel Purchases As Some Pumps Run Dry
Slovenia has temporarily limited fuel purchases to tackle shortages at the pump caused in part by cross-border fueling and stockpiling due to the Iran war, raising concerns about security of supplies just as the country heads to the polls.
Fueling at individual service stations has been restricted to 50 litres per day for private vehicles and 200 litres for companies and other priority users, such as farmers, Prime Minister Robert Golob announced on Saturday evening.
The restrictions will remain in force until further notice.
“Let me reassure you that there is enough fuel in Slovenia. The warehouses are full, and there will be no fuel shortages,” said Golob.
At an emergency session on Sunday, the government accused Petrol—the largest Slovenian oil distribution company, in which the state has a 32.3% stake—of failing to eliminate disruptions in fuel distribution. It also ordered an inquiry into possible violations in fuel trading and the management of critical infrastructure.
The government further called on the Slovenian sovereign wealth fund to request a meeting of Petrol’s shareholders and to ask for a special audit of the company’s logistics operations after March 16.
In addition, the government ordered the interior ministry to submit a report to law enforcement agencies due to “possible grounds for suspicion” of criminal offences by some Petrol staff.
Petrol rejected the government’s accusations, stating in a statement published by the state news agency STA that the problems at some sales points were solely the result of a sudden surge in demand in recent days. The company rebutted any suggestions of irregularities or responsibility for shortages at stations.
“The company has a crisis coordination group that continuously monitors the situation and adjusts measures to stabilize supply,” Petrol said.
Golob added that the army would be called in to help retailers move supplies.
The government also recommended that retailers prepare special measures for foreign drivers, without providing further details.
Many filling stations across Slovenia were closed on Sunday. Those belonging to the Hungarian oil and gas group MOL Group have remained open but had already limited purchases to 30 litres for individuals and 200 litres for companies.
Malawi: ESCOM Announces One-Week Nationwide Power Rationing
The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has announced a one-week load-shedding schedule, effective Sunday, March 22 through Saturday, March 28, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday, ESCOM said the load shedding is intended to manage electricity demand amid supply shortfalls caused by generation constraints.
According to the timetable, power will be rationed for between three and eight hours across the country.
Malawi has a total installed power generation capacity of approximately 390–395 MW, dominated by hydropower.
However, the statement did not clarify how much power is currently being generated.
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