Global energy crisis 'critical': Slovenia rations petrol and New Zealand hands citizens £22 a week - live updates

Countries across the world are warning the global fuel crisis is now 'critical' as emergency measures are introduced in response to the Iran war.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has declared the time has come for negotiations with Iran to reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz given the perilous energy situation around the globe.

Speaking in Australia at the conclusion of a new free-trade agreement between the EU and Australia, she said: 'The situation is critical for the energy supply allies worldwide.

'We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices, our businesses and our societies, but it is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East.'

It comes as Slovenia became the first EU member state to introduce fuel rationing in a bid to tackle disruptions while thousands of families in New Zealand will soon receive weekly cash payments to help them afford petrol.

And Vietnam's national air carrier will suspend nearly two dozen domestic flights a week starting next month because of limited fuel supplies.

Follow the latest updates on the US-Israel war with Iran 

Philippines president admits grounding planes is 'distinct possibility'British drivers told don't drive slower amid global fuel concernsSlovenia introduces fuel rationing in response to Middle East disruptionA man refills fuel in his car at a petrol station in Ljubljana, Slovenia, March 22, 2026. REUTERS/Antonio BronicNew Zealand to give families cash to help them afford petrolNew Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis (L) and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon attend a press conference about fuel rationing in New Zealand, at Parliament in Wellington on March 19, 2026. In New Zealand, which is heavily dependent on imports for its fuel, the average petrol price has increased by nearly 10 percent since the Middle East war began, with diesel up more than 20 percent, according to price monitor Gaspy. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP via Getty Images)Vietnam to cut domestic flights over jet fuel shortageepa12770738 A Vietnam Airlines airliner taxis at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, 23 February 2026. Vietnam Airlines signed an agreement in Washington, DC, USA to purchase 50 Boeing 737-8 narrow-body aircraft worth up to 8.1 billion US dollar. EPA/LUONG THAI LINHEU president - Global fuel crisis is now 'critical' worldwideA graphic illustration created on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 showing various aspects of AustraliaÕs newly signed trade deal with the European Union.(AAP Image/Susie Dodds) NO ARCHIVINGIran energy minister downplays threat of attack Asian stocks rise on Trump U-turn but unease sees oil prices edge upIran launches missile strikes on Tel Aviv day after Trump declares 'constructive' peace talksepa12845409 Israeli police and emergency teams work at the site of an Iranian missile strike in a residential area in Tel Aviv, Israel, 24 March 2026. The Israeli military reported that it had detected missiles launched from Iran, several of which struck central Israel. EPA/ABIR SULTANIran media says energy infrastructure attacked as Trump declares pause on military strikes Share or comment on this article: Global energy crisis 'critical': Slovenia rations petrol and New Zealand hands citizens £22 a week - live updates

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