Consumer prices in the US surged by 8.5 percent in March, the fastest pace since 1981. The inflation spike was fuelled by a 32 percent jump in energy costs, linked to Russia's war in Ukraine. Many American consumers are struggling to keep up with the price rises. Also in the show: Emmanuel Macron appears to waver on his pledge to raise France's retirement age to 65, and Sri Lanka enters default as its economic crisis deepens.