European Cent2026-09-22 05:03:25ECB Chief Economist Philip R. Lane Says Second Energy Price Surge Could Keep Inflation Elevated Until Mid-2027Philip R. Lane, chief economist at the European Central Bank, said in a media interview that a second rise in energy prices could keep inflation at elevated levels for longer than previously expected. He said inflation is now projected to return to the target level only from mid-2027. Lane also discussed broader economic issues during the interview, including economic growth, government spending, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the economy. The remarks were cited by Techub News, which referenced the European Central Bank account. The update did not provide additional figures or a more detailed breakdown of Lane’s comments, but it highlighted the inflation outlook as the central point of the interview.360
CPC Taiwan2026-09-20 09:00:38CPC Taiwan director warns debt burden could force court-led restructuring in 2027CPC Taiwan is carrying TWD 850 billion in interest-bearing debt, and board director Wei Hui-shan said the state-owned oil company could face a point where assets no longer cover liabilities in 2027 if losses continue this year and global energy prices stay elevated. Under Taiwan’s Company Act, that would leave the board with a duty to petition a court for restructuring. Wei said annual interest costs alone are running into the tens of billions of Taiwan dollars, while the company’s debt ratio, which was a little above 60% before the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, climbed past 90% after 2022 and has stayed around 92% to 93% for nearly three years. She linked the deterioration to the surge in natural gas prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, saying CPC absorbed most of the added cost under government price-freeze policies. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has planned two separate items in its 2026 supplementary budget: TWD 238.8 billion for a capital injection into CPC and TWD 108.9 billion in subsidies for frozen prices on gasoline, diesel, natural gas and bottled LPG. Wei said the two are not overlapping, with subsidies covering policy-driven losses and the capital injection aimed at repaying old debt and lowering interest expenses.330
Emmanuel Macr2026-09-19 00:47:52Macron says U.S. and Iran are unlikely to reach a near-term deal over the Strait of HormuzFrench President Emmanuel Macron said France will push for action at the European Union level to address energy pressures, as fuel and gas costs continue to weigh on households. He said he plans to discuss the matter with the president of the European Commission. Macron also said the United States and Iran are unlikely to reach an agreement over the Strait of Hormuz in the short term. His remarks linked the current strain in energy markets to war and the broader international situation. According to Macron, fuel prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, leaving French citizens and families under pressure. He said prices at French gas stations have climbed to record highs, worsening purchasing power concerns, while natural gas prices and the overall energy situation remain a source of concern. The report was cited by Odaily, which referenced China Central Television News.680
US Treasury2026-09-15 13:09:54Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Appear at Congressional Hearing on Energy Prices and DebtU.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to appear before Congress for a hearing expected to focus on several major economic issues, according to CNBC. Lawmakers are likely to question him on rising energy prices, Federal Reserve policy, government debt, and the economic agenda tied to Donald Trump’s team. The hearing is intended to review current economic conditions and the broader direction of policy. Discussion may also cover fiscal policy, inflation pressure, and the outlook for the economy. Bessent is expected to outline the Treasury Department’s position and the measures it sees as relevant in responding to current economic challenges.620
Goldman Sachs2026-09-11 13:12:29Goldman Sachs says CPI largely met expectations, with market focus likely shifting away from the releaseGoldman Sachs economist Alexandra Wilson-Elizondo said on Sept. 11 that the latest CPI report was largely in line with expectations, a headline outcome that investors had wanted to see but one that also increased uncertainty around next week’s rate decision. She said the challenge is that the data did not fully capture some of the inflation pressure that has emerged recently, and that there is little evidence inflation is moving back to target in the short term. Wilson-Elizondo also said the survey period for the report came before the latest rise in energy prices and before the broader commodity rally spread from energy into metals and agriculture. In her view, that means the inflation print released today does not rule out the possibility of stronger price pressure ahead. She added that the report keeps the Federal Reserve’s option to raise rates on the table without forcing immediate action, and said markets may now pay closer attention to Warsh’s communication, energy prices, labor market data, and what happens next rather than to today’s release itself.760
Euro zone bon2026-09-11 07:41:44Euro Zone Government Bonds Fall as ECB Raises Rates by 25 Basis PointsEuro zone government bond prices fell on Friday, with the global bond market on track for its worst weekly performance since the outbreak of the Iran war, according to ChainCatcher. The move came as surging energy prices pushed central banks to act more quickly against inflation. The European Central Bank raised interest rates by 25 basis points and revised its inflation and growth projections. Germany’s two-year government bond yield climbed to 3.208%, its highest level since October 2023. The latest moves point to mounting pressure across sovereign debt markets as investors respond to tighter policy expectations and changing macro forecasts.800
European natu2026-09-09 14:37:55European natural gas rises above €80 per megawatt-hour for the first time in over three yearsEuropean natural gas prices climbed past €80 per megawatt-hour for the first time in more than three years, according to market data cited by ChainCatcher from Gate. The benchmark futures contract rose as much as 6.8% and touched €80.98, marking its highest level since January 2023. The move puts the energy market back under close watch as colder-season demand approaches. ChainCatcher said the expected pickup in winter demand could keep pressure on prices, with the risk that elevated energy costs spread beyond the gas market and turn into a broader economic issue. The report did not provide additional details beyond the price move and the cited market data.720
Strait of Hor2026-09-07 14:29:16Iran Says Hormuz Strait Navigation Deal with Oman to Be Finalized 'Within Days'Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that negotiations with Oman on managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have entered the final stage and are expected to be completed within days. The two sides plan to establish a temporary safe passage and submit the arrangement to the International Maritime Organization. Baghaei described the talks as "very smooth" and expressed hope that no third party would interfere. If the deal is finalized, it could facilitate more oil tankers and commercial vessels through the strategic waterway and reduce the risk of Iranian attacks on shipping. Currently, about 7 million barrels of crude oil and refined products pass through the Strait daily, far below the pre-conflict level of about 20 million barrels per day. However, the agreement may also strengthen Iran's control over the Strait. The United States wants the Strait to return to pre-war free passage, and the two sides remain divided. The Iran-US conflict has entered its seventh month, and the blockade continues to push up oil, fuel, and gas prices, exacerbating global inflation. U.S. diesel prices have hit record highs, putting political pressure on the Trump administration.1020
