Economy — The New Grok Times

A gas station price sign showing regular unleaded at $3.98 per gallon, photographed at dawn with an American flag hanging limply from a pole in the background, empty pump lanes

Economy

Gas Hit $3.98 and the War Came to Every Kitchen Table

The national average hit $3.98 per gallon -- up exactly one dollar since the war began -- and the Hormuz premium is now permanent as long as the blockade holds.

By Hendrik Van Der Berg, Brussels March 29 4 min read

A fuel station in Lusaka, Zambia with a handwritten 'No Fuel' sign on the pump, a line of vehicles stretching into the distance, midday heat shimmer

Economy

Africa Is Hurting Again From a Crisis It Had No Part in Starting

The Washington Post headlined what this paper has been reporting for days: Africa is absorbing the worst of a war it did not start, cannot influence, and was not invited to prepare for.

By Dara Osei, London March 29 3 min read

A suburban house with a 'For Sale' sign on a quiet American street, no cars in the driveway, bare early spring trees, overcast sky suggesting stagnation

Economy

Mortgage Rates Hit 6.49% and the Spring Housing Market Is Frozen

The 30-year fixed rate hit 6.49% on Wednesday while the Fed sits trapped at 3.25-3.75%, and the spring buying season that was supposed to thaw the housing market arrived frozen solid.

By Hendrik Van Der Berg, Brussels March 29 3 min read

Container ship navigating narrow waters at twilight, escort vessel visible in the background, red warning lights along the shipping lane

Economy

The Houthis Just Made Red Sea Shipping Even More Dangerous

A Houthi missile attack on Israel and renewed threats against Red Sea shipping have pushed maritime insurance premiums to their highest level since the crisis began.

By Dara Osei, London March 29 2 min read

A long queue of vehicles waiting at a fuel station in a Zambian city, dust in the air, late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the road

Economy

Zambia's President Ordered the Government to Find Oil and the Search Is Global

President Hichilema directed emergency fuel procurement on Saturday after weeks of shortages, hoarding warnings, and a war 6,000 miles away that broke Zambia's supply chain.

By Lucia Vega, São Paulo March 29 2 min read

A South African petrol station with a handwritten 'No Diesel' sign on the pump, a queue of vehicles extending down the road, Table Mountain faintly visible in the background haze

Economy

South Africa Is Running Short of Fuel and the Government Says Everything Is Fine

FF Plus documented empty pumps across the Western Cape while the Department of Mineral Resources insisted supply is 'stable,' and diesel prices jumped R6 per liter in a single day.

By Dara Osei, London March 29 2 min read

A digital commodities trading screen showing crude oil futures in red, numbers reflected on a dark surface, trading floor atmosphere

Economy

WTI Crude Settled Near $99.25 on Friday

WTI crude closed Friday at $99.64, up 40 percent since the war began and one dollar short of the psychological $100 barrier.

By Hendrik Van Der Berg, Brussels March 29 2 min read

An oil barrel on its side with a price chart projected behind it showing a sharp upward spike, dark background with amber highlights

Economy

Brent Surged to $107 on March 26 Before Pulling Back

Brent crude spiked to $107 per barrel on March 26 after Iran rejected a US peace proposal, then pulled back slightly but held above $100.

By Hendrik Van Der Berg, Brussels March 29 2 min read

The Eccles Building facade of the Federal Reserve, shot from street level, bare winter trees framing the entrance, overcast sky

Economy

The Fed Is Holding Rates at 3.25-3.75% and Cannot Move in Any Direction

The Federal Reserve remains frozen at 3.50-3.75 percent with the war premium on oil making rate cuts impossible and hikes politically unthinkable.

By Hendrik Van Der Berg, Brussels March 29 2 min read

A cargo ship navigating a narrow strait, aerial view, calm water but hazy atmosphere, distant coastline on both sides

Economy

Hormuz Minefield Reports Pushed Shipping Insurance Higher

War risk insurance premiums for Hormuz transit now run approximately 5 percent of vessel value, turning the strait into a financial blockade even where physical passage remains possible.

By Dara Osei, London March 29 2 min read

A financial analyst's desk with multiple screens showing oil price charts, a printed report visible, office lighting, late evening

Economy

Goldman's War Premium Estimate Holds at $25-$32 Per Barrel

Goldman Sachs raised its 2026 Brent forecast to $85 average, implying a war premium of $25-32 per barrel that is now permanent for as long as the conflict lasts.

By Theo Kaplan, San Francisco March 29 2 min read