Keywords: Shortages


US small business confidence slips in September as cost pressures persist

Confidence among small businesses in the United States weakened in September 2026 as business owners continued to grapple with rising operating expenses, high borrowing costs and difficulties recruiting qualified workers. The latest figures suggest that many smaller firms remain cautious about expanding......

Around 200 French High Schools Close as Student Protests Continue

Around 200 high schools across France were closed on Tuesday amid ongoing student demonstrations, according to French Education Minister Édouard Geffray, as protests over conditions in the education system continued to disrupt schools and renew pressure on authorities to address longstanding concerns. The......

IEA urges member countries to release additional diesel supplies amid tightening markets

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called on its member countries to consider releasing additional diesel supplies in response to growing concerns over tightening availability and mounting pressure on global energy markets. In a message to member governments ahead of the agency’s governing......

Zimbabwe: Medication Shortages Worsen Due to Funding Gaps

Zimbabwe's healthcare system is facing increasing difficulties, marked by a lack of essential medications, shortages of certain medical supplies, and challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare staff. According to sector officials, this situation is largely attributed to irregular public funding......

Gasoil Shortage Fears Grow in Morocco Amid Rising Global Energy Tensions

Concerns over the stability of gasoil supplies are resurfacing in Morocco as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt major energy-producing and export routes. Military operations targeting strategic hydrocarbon infrastructure in the Middle East and Eastern Europe are adding pressure to already fragile......

More than 1,700 detained as French high school protests spread nationwide

French authorities detained more than 1,700 people on Friday as a nationwide high school protest movement intensified, with school blockades, clashes and incidents of violence reported in several parts of the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said 1,747 people had been detained during Friday’s......

Japan tightens permanent residency rules for foreign nationals

Japan has introduced stricter requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, raising the financial, language and pension standards as the government moves to tighten the country's immigration framework. Under the revised guidelines, applicants will be assessed on whether their income......

Algeria banana prices reach 2,800 dinars as consumers voice frustration

The price of bananas in Algeria has risen sharply in recent weeks, with reports from some markets putting the retail price at around 2,800 Algerian dinars per kilogram. At the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Algeria in late September, that amount is equivalent to roughly $21. The reported......

Algeria’s new road code sparks fire extinguisher shortage and price surge

Algeria’s new road-safety requirements are creating an unexpected problem for motorists: the equipment required to comply with the rules has become increasingly difficult to find, with fire extinguishers at the center of the controversy. The new Road Code, Law No. 26-09 of May 12, 2026, was published......