The EU and Australia have signed a sweeping free trade agreement that will eliminate tariffs on nearly all trade between them as global economies seek to hedge against chaotic US tariff policies. Also in this edition: crude oil prices rise again as traders remain sceptical of signals that Washington is trying to de-escalate its war with Iran.  

Global crude oil prices fell about 10 percent and Wall Street stocks rallied after Donald Trump said he was holding off military strikes on Iran's power plants. The US president made the announcement following what he called "constructive talks" with Tehran, despite Iran denying it was negotiating a deal. Meanwhile, France is looking at the possibility of increasing the country's refining capacity to cushion the impact of higher petrol prices on consumers, but is stopping short of cutting fuel taxes. 

Natural gas prices soared as attacks intensified on energy infrastructure in the Middle East. The Ras Laffan plant in Qatar has sustained "significant damage", according to its operators, which could take years to fully repair. That will have a significant impact on global supplies, because the facility produces around a fifth of the world's LNG (liquefied natural gas). Also in the show: the World Trade Organization warns a trade slowdown could lead to mounting food insecurity.  

Strikes on the natural gas production facilities of Iran and Qatar have sent energy prices soaring, with central bankers around the world struggling to set monetary policy amid a highly uncertain inflationary outlook. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: the French shipbuilding industry welcomes the start of construction of the country's next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The Trump administration is taking steps to curb rising energy costs, as it continues to wage war in the Middle East. The US is easing sanctions on Venezuela, and suspending a century-old shipping law, in an effort to get more oil supplies into the global market. Meanwhile, oil prices continue to rise, with crude topping $109 per barrel, as Gulf energy infrastructure is targeted by strikes. Also in the show: the UN's maritime agency seeks safe passage for sailors trapped by the conflict. 

The long-awaited return to the stage of K-pop sensation BTS is set to boost South Korea's tourism and consumer economy. Our regional correspondents report. But first: the war in Iran upends the spring travel season for airlines and passengers alike, and investors await the latest rate call from the US Federal Reserve.

Two Indian-flagged tankers together carrying over 92,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas have arrived at ports in Gujarat state after safely passing through the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi has been negotiating with Iran, but the government denies discussing the possible release of Iranian tankers it seized in February as part of the bargain. Meanwhile, global crude prices jumped again amid new Iranian attacks on the UAE. 

Iran sends drones to attack the UAE port of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, raising the stakes as Gulf states send their blocked crude through pipelines away from the contested Strait of Hormuz. We take a closer look. Also in this edition: central banks face a dilemma as high oil prices threaten to both rekindle inflation and slow global growth.

Global oil prices fell sharply on Monday after a Pakistan-bound oil tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz with its transponder on. The decline came even as countries have so far rebuffed Donald Trump's request to send warships to escort vessels through the waterway. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency said its members could unlock more oil from their strategic reserves after agreeing to jointly release a record 400 million barrels from their emergency stockpiles. 

New Delhi walks a policy tightrope, with public anger mounting over shortages of cooking gas as the US demands support for its war on Iran. Also in this edition: China's economy turns in stronger than expected figures, and oil prices continue to rise as Washington threatens to strike Iran's oil export infrastructure.