LPG crisis hits restaurants: Staff face salary cuts, layoffs as eateries struggle to keep kitchens running

The Middle East crisis continues to boil and the ripples have triggered an operational stress for India’s food services sector. As LPG supply flows are disrupted amid the Strait of Hormuz transit issues, industry voices have warned of layoffs, salary cuts and widespread business impact if the situation drags on. Poll Are you concerned about…

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Iran war shakes skies: Emirates jets fly back to Dubai nearly empty as travellers flee

The ongoing Middle East war has drained Dubai of much of its travel appeal. Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is operating some flights to Dubai almost empty, as travellers avoid the Persian Gulf. Flights from the US and continental Europe have been hit hardest, with occupancy on several routes dropping sharply, as thecarrier faces…

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Gold price today (March 17, 2026): Check the price of 18K, 22K and 24K gold in your city today; Delhi, Mumbai & more

Gold opened sharply higher on Multi Commodity Exchange on Tuesday, as investors turned to safe-haven assets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East involving the US, Israel and Iran. The uncertainty has also kept oil prices above the $100-per-barrel mark. On the MCX, April 2026 gold futures rose Rs 1,260, or 1%, reaching Rs 1,56,996…

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Postal department rolls out premium 24-hr, 48-hr delivery services in 6 cities; check details

The Department of Posts on Tuesday introduced three premium delivery services with guaranteed 24-hour and 48-hour timelines for urgent and time-sensitive consignments, news agency PTI reported.The services — 24 Speed Post, 24 Speed Post Parcel, and 48 Speed Post — were introduced by communications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.In the initial phase, the services will be available…

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Middle East conflict: Oil companies seek advance payments from petrol pumps as global crude price surge squeezes margins

State-owned oil marketing companies have started asking petrol pump dealers to make advance payments for supplies of petrol and diesel, as refiners grapple with mounting revenue losses from retail fuel sales, according to a Reuters report.Nearly 90% of India’s about 1,01,470 fuel stations are linked to public sector refiners and retailers – Indian Oil Corporation,…

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US gas prices: Strait of Hormuz tensions push diesel above $5/gallon, highest since December 2022

Retail diesel prices in the United States soared past $5 a gallon, reaching a milestone seen only once before, according to GasBuddy, the fuel markets tracker. Economists warn that the surge could slow global economic activity. Diesel is essential for freight and manufacturing, and rising fuel costs are likely to push up the price of…

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US-Iran war: How the LPG cylinder has become the face of Middle East mayhem’s impact on India

“The tea is 15 rupees,” said the tea stall vendor outside Noida Sector 16A metro station, apologetically handing over a cup of tea that had suddenly become more expensive.When asked why the price had increased, the vendor offered a brief explanation with tired eyes, the “cylinder has gone very costly.” Even the samosas and pakoras…

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Is Rs 1,000 EPS pension enough? Parliamentary panel seeks urgent hike amid cost pressures

A Parliamentary panel has recommended an urgent and comprehensive review of the Rs 1,000 minimum monthly pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, saying the amount is no longer sufficient to meet the basic needs of beneficiaries amid rising living costs, reported PTI.The recommendation assumes significance as pensioners have been demanding that the minimum pension…

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Can your UAE employer stop your salary if you are stranded outside the emirates amid Iran vs US-Israel war? Here’s what the law really says

UAE Labour Law: Can Employers Withhold Salary for Stranded Employees Amidst Iran vs US-Israel War? As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Iran vs US-Israel war disrupt travel and leave thousands of expatriates unable to return to the UAE, a pressing question is surfacing across workplaces and WhatsApp groups alike: Can your employer legally…

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