Topic: Fuel Shortage

Ukraine launched drone strikes against an oil terminal and naval base in St. Petersburg, timed to coincide with Vladimir Putin’s economic forum. President Zelensky claims these deep strikes are causing fuel shortages in Russia and will force diplomacy. Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte visited a bombed department store in Ukraine, advocating for the nation's inclusion in the military alliance.

The United Nations is warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Cuba due to a U.S. oil blockade. The fuel shortage has led to massive power outages, the cancellation of flights, and the closure of resorts. The hosts question the strategic logic behind the blockade, noting that it is devastating the local population and forcing them to rely on tricycles for transport.

Strikes at French oil refineries led by the CGT union have caused widespread fuel shortages, affecting approximately 30% of gas stations across France. The union rejected a 7% pay raise offer, holding out for a 10% increase to reflect the windfall profits of energy companies. The French government has threatened to requisition workers to restore essential services.

Reports emerge of a new crackdown on the Saudi royal family by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Meanwhile, Sudan faces a severe economic crisis with citizens waiting in massive queues for fuel and bread, echoing conditions that led to the ousting of Omar al-Bashir.

Zimbabwe is experiencing a return to extreme hyperinflation, reminiscent of the 2008 economic crisis. The introduction of the "Zim dollar" has led to a massive loss of value, causing businesses to go broke and creating day-long queues for fuel. The economic instability has left store shelves empty as the country's monetary system fails to stabilize under the current leadership following the Mugabe era.

The World Food Programme warns that Libya faces a full-blown food security crisis within 60 days due to disrupted port activities and fuel shortages. The hosts suggest that NATO is using starvation as a tactic against the Libyan population rather than simply maintaining a no-fly zone. They compare the situation to historical instances of engineered famine used for political control.