China might have to burn more fossil fuels this year as meteorologists forecast a moderate-or-stronger El Nino weather event in the summer and autumn, which could disrupt operations at hydropower stations across the region at a time when fuel supplies from the Middle East are disrupted.
Sales of electric cars soared 51% in continental Europe last month, amid a rise in petrol and diesel costs driven by the Iran war.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data for the month of March 2026, reporting that a total of 63,489 units units were delivered to buyers last month. This represents an increase of 21.1%, or 11,075 units, from the 52,414 units sold in February.
The government's move to increase the assistance rate under the Rubber Replanting Programme has been welcomed by smallholders facing challenges related to costs and uncertainty in commodity prices.
Malaysia currently has 19 biofuel production plants based on rubber waste, with a monthly capacity of approximately 1.5 million litres, thus having the potential to become a new alternative energy source amid the global energy crisis.
Rubber glove makers have raised prices and warned of production cuts as the Iran war chokes supplies of key inputs, raising concerns for the healthcare sector.