BBC News Briefing

19 March, 2026

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Gas prices have risen sharply following a strike on a Qatari energy complex. Europe editor Katya Adler reports on how the Iran war has left the continent facing yet another fuel crisis. From Finland, business reporter Jorn Madslien explains how businesses and civil society would join forces in the event of an invasion. And finally, watch lava meet the sea on the island of Reunion.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Gas prices soar after strikes on energy facilities in Iran and Qatar

A flame burns from an energy industrial conmplex in Qatar in this file photo from 2 March

QatarEnergy's operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City, seen earlier in March. Credit: Reuters

Gas prices have risen in Europe after an Iranian strike caused "extensive damage" to an energy complex in Qatar, following an Israeli strike in Iran. US President Donald Trump has warned Iran not to retaliate further against Qatar, but security correspondent Frank Gardner describes the situation as the escalation Gulf States have been fearing. As for Europe, Katya Adler writes, the knock-on eﬀects of the conflict are reminiscent of the energy crisis the European Union faced following Russia's invasion of Ukraine four years ago. But is Europe capable of making a change and securing its own energy supply?

Read Katya's analysis

Supply shocks: China has long braced for a Gulf energy crisis, but the Iran war's disruption of a key global shipping route is now testing its resilience.

In limbo: Afghan evacuees waiting to resettle in the US at a former military base in Qatar worry about Trump's plan to shut the facility.

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Aircraft carrier: The USS Gerald R Ford is preparing to leave the Red Sea for repairs in Crete after a fire on board injured sailors, US officials said.

WORLD HEADLINES

A file photo of Cesar Chavez speaking at a rally in 1988. He has short grey hair and brown eyes and wears a light blue shirt.

US union leader Cesar Chavez accused of abuse

Three women, including activist Dolores Huerta, said the late civil rights leader groomed and sexually abused girls.

What to know >

The head and shoulders of a man with a black bar across his eyes.

Ecuador gang boss wanted over murder arrested

The leader of one of Ecuador's biggest drug-trafficking gangs has been arrested in Mexico City, officials say.

More details >

Indonesian activists in line, posing for news photographers while holding posters expressing support of rights activist Andrie Yunus who was injured in an acid attack

Indonesia detains soldiers over acid attack on activist

Four soldiers have been detained after Andrie Yunus suffered burns on more than 20% of his body, officials said.

Read more >

Rohan Dennis competing at the 106th Giro d'Italia in 2023.

Athlete who ran over wife criticised over car post

Olympic cyclist Rohan Dennis has been criticised for a social media post describing a Porsche as a "weapon".

What happened >

A pair of mini-versions of the popular toy Labubu in an outlet of Pop Mart in China

Paddington director to helm Labubu film

The hugely popular dolls will soon star in their own feature film, Chinese toy firm Pop Mart and Sony Pictures announced.

Find out more >

NEWS FROM THE UK

After Brexit: The mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has called for Labour to go into the next general election promising to rejoin the EU.

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Internet safety: A girl who appeared in hundreds of child sexual abuse images and videos has been tracked down after years of searching.

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Along the shoreline: The world's longest coastal path has opened in England, stretching 2,689 miles - find out where it takes you.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

The Finnish plan key to country's security

A blond woman stands in front of the bakery section in a supermarket.

Finland's supermarket chains have detailed plans to follow in the event of an emergency, such as a war. Credit: AFP via Getty Images

Finland is one of four Nordic nations that have followed a "total defence" strategy for decades. Jorn Madslien reports on how plans are in place for the military and civilian sectors to work closely together in the event of a crisis and how trust in institutions and safety contributes to the happiness of Finns.