Crude oil prices climbed more than 2% on Tuesday, bouncing back from losses posted in the previous session as concerns over supply resurfaced with the Strait of Hormuz largely shut and U.S. allies declining calls to deploy warships to escort tankers through the key shipping route.

European nations have declined to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz, even as US President Donald Trump warned that NATO could face “a very bad future” if member countries do not step in to help reopen the crucial shipping route.

Crude oil price on March 17

Brent crude futures rose $2.48, or 2.5%, to $102.69 per barrel at 0058 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $2.42, or 2.6%, to $95.92 per barrel.The Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint that handles about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, has been largely disrupted by the US-Israel war on Iran, which has now entered its third week. The disruption has heightened fears of supply shortages, rising energy costs and higher inflation.

Several U.S. allies also pushed back against Donald Trump’s request on Monday to send warships to escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The move drew criticism from the U.S. president, who accused Western partners of ingratitude despite decades of American support.
The effective closure of the strait has forced the United Arab Emirates, the third-largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, to shut in production. As a result, its output has fallen by more than half, two sources told Reuters.
Meanwhile, the head of the International Energy Agency said member countries could release more oil to help ease rising energy costs, in addition to the 400 million barrels they have already agreed to draw from strategic reserves.

Where are prices headed?

Experts say oil prices could climb further if geopolitical tensions persist. Global crude prices may rise to $120 per barrel in the near term and could even reach $150 per barrel if the war continues for more than a month and tensions in West Asia remain elevated, according to Kayanat Chainwala, Assistant Vice President at Kotak Securities.

She added that crude prices below $110 per barrel can largely be managed within India’s current tax framework, giving the government some flexibility to absorb the impact.

However, if prices move into the $110 to $125 per barrel range, fiscal flexibility would start to tighten and earnings divergence across companies in the oil and gas sector could widen, says Elara Securities.

If crude prices climb above $125 per barrel, broader stress could emerge in the system. Earnings of oil marketing companies may weaken sharply, LPG subsidy burdens could rise significantly, and risks to LNG throughput may increase. In such a situation, the chances of policy intervention would also grow, it added.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

Manufacturing depends on reliable bonding to keep products strong, stable, and durable. Industrial adhesives play a key role in modern assembly because they help manufacturers create secure connections while maintaining efficient production.

When used correctly, they can improve product quality, support cleaner assembly, and contribute to more consistent manufacturing outcomes.

However, selecting the right adhesive requires careful consideration. Not every adhesive performs the same way, and choosing the wrong one can affect product reliability, production efficiency, and long-term performance.

Read on to learn how to select the right industrial adhesive for manufacturing and make more confident decisions for your production process.

Review Application Method and Production Efficiency

The adhesive should integrate smoothly with the existing manufacturing process. Application techniques and curing requirements influence both consistency and production speed.

The following factors help manufacturers select an adhesive that supports efficient assembly operations.

Dispensing method

Adhesives may be applied through manual applicators, automated dispensers, or precision spray systems. Each method requires a product with the correct viscosity and flow behavior. An adhesive that dispenses evenly helps maintain consistent bead size, accurate placement, and minimal material waste across large production runs.

Curing process

Different adhesives cure under different conditions, including room temperature, heat, pressure, or ultraviolet light. Production facilities must confirm that their equipment can support the curing method required for the selected adhesive. Many manufacturers also consult adhesive specialists when evaluating curing requirements.

Working with experienced suppliers such as directadhesives.co.uk or another trusted industrial adhesive provider can help identify products that align with available curing systems and production schedules. Their guidance often helps prevent delays caused by incompatible curing conditions.

Working time

Working time refers to how long the adhesive remains usable after application before curing begins. Assembly lines that involve multiple positioning steps may require longer open times to allow proper alignment of components. Shorter working times may suit high-speed automated lines where parts are positioned immediately after dispensing.

Understand the Materials Being Bonded

Material compatibility strongly influences adhesive performance. Different substrates interact with adhesives in unique ways, affecting how well a bond forms and how long it lasts.

Here are the factors that help manufacturers assess whether an adhesive will perform reliably with specific materials.

Substrate type

Each material responds differently to adhesive formulations. Metals such as steel or aluminum often bond well with structural epoxies or acrylics, while plastics, rubber, and composites may require adhesives designed specifically for those surfaces. Understanding the material composition helps narrow product choices and reduces the risk of weak or inconsistent bonding.

Surface energy

Surface energy affects how easily an adhesive spreads across a material. High surface energy materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and glass typically allow adhesives to wet and bond effectively. Low surface energy plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene resist adhesive spread, which may require primers, surface treatments, or adhesives formulated for these substrates.

Surface condition

The condition of the bonding surface has a direct impact on adhesion strength. Contaminants such as oil, dust, oxidation, and protective coatings can interfere with proper bonding. Cleaning, abrasion, or other preparation methods help create a more stable surface, allowing the adhesive to contact the material evenly.

Evaluate Environmental and Operating Conditions

Adhesives must retain their performance after assembly, even when exposed to demanding environments. Temperature fluctuations, from extreme heat to cold storage, can affect the structural integrity of a bond. Selecting adhesives rated for the expected temperature range ensures that bonds remain strong and reliable throughout the product’s lifecycle.

In addition to temperature, chemical exposure plays a critical role in bond durability. Contact with fuels, oils, solvents, or cleaning agents can weaken certain adhesives, causing them to degrade prematurely. Choosing chemical-resistant formulations helps maintain long-term performance, especially in industrial or automotive applications where exposure is frequent.

Moisture and physical stress also influence adhesive effectiveness. Products used outdoors or in high-humidity settings require adhesives that resist water penetration and prevent bond failure.

Consider Strength, Flexibility, and Performance Requirements

After evaluating materials and environmental conditions, it is essential to define the mechanical demands of the adhesive. High bond strength ensures that components under stress, including tensile and shear forces, remain firmly secured. Choosing an appropriate formulation helps maintain structural stability and prevents early failure under load.

Equally important is the ability of the adhesive to tolerate movement. Parts that expand, contract, or experience minor shifts during use require adhesives that adapt without breaking or losing adhesion. Flexible formulations absorb stress and extend the service life of bonded assemblies.

Additionally, surface irregularities and production timing influence performance. Adhesives that fill gaps or uneven surfaces provide a uniform connection, reducing potential weak spots.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right industrial adhesive requires careful evaluation of several factors. Materials, operating conditions, mechanical performance, and production methods all influence which adhesive will perform best. A thorough assessment allows manufacturers to narrow their options and select adhesives designed for their specific application.

A Houston woman sued Tesla last month after she says her Cybertruck, allegedly operating in self-driving mode, was captured on camera nearly sending her and her infant off a bridge before ultimately crashing into an overpass barrier. 

The woman, who claims she suffered multiple injuries in the August 2025 incident, is suing Tesla for $1 million in a liability and negligence case, according to the lawsuit.

“On August 18, 2025, our client Justine Saint Amour was driving her Tesla Cybertruck on Houston’s 69 Eastex Freeway with autopilot engaged,” Attorney Bob Hilliard said in a statement to FOX Business.

“Something terrifying happened, without warning, the vehicle attempted to drive straight off an overpass.”

ELON MUSK REVEALS PRICE OF TESLA’S CYBERCAB

In the dashcam video of the incident, driver Justine Saint Amour was in a Cybertruck that was expected to follow a right-hand curve of a Y-shaped overpass. 

The car then appeared to barely turn, continuing straight ahead, before violently crashing into a concrete barrier on the overpass. As it ricocheted from the impact, parts of the vehicle were seen flying off.

Amour’s attorney added that just before the crash, she disengaged the driver-assistance feature and tried to take control of the wheel. However, the vehicle was already too far in motion for any intervention to be effective, the law firm indicated. 

“She tried to take control, but crashed into the barrier and was seriously injured (mostly her shoulder, neck, and back),” Hilliard said. 

Saint Amour suffered serious injuries to her right shoulder, neck and back, including two herniated discs in her lower back and one in her neck, the Austin American-Statesman reported, citing Hilliard Law. Saint Amour also sprained the tendons in her wrist and suffered nerve damage to her right hand, which can cause numbness, a burning sensation and overall weakness, the lawsuit claimed. 

Local outlet Khou 11 added that her 1-year-old child was also in the backseat during the incident but was unharmed.

TESLA DODGES CALIFORNIA LICENSE SUSPENSION AFTER DROPPING MISLEADING ‘AUTOPILOT’ MARKETING TERMS

The lawsuit alleged that Tesla misrepresented the capabilities of its driver-assistance system and was negligent in the design of its “Autopilot” feature. It also claimed that the company failed to incorporate safety mechanisms such as more effective emergency braking systems or liDAR, a sensing technology that measures distances.

“Tesla’s self driving relies on cheap video cameras alone, with no LiDar,” Hilliard said. “The vehicle also lacks a proper driver alert system to ensure drivers are ready to take over driving.”

Hilliard Law posted a statement on social media last Wednesday, saying “Tesla could have avoided all of this by not cutting corners.”  

“Tesla’s decisions made Justine’s accident inevitable,” Hilliard added. “This company wants drivers to believe and trust their life on a lie: that the vehicle can self-drive and that it can do so safely. It can’t, and it doesn’t.”

The lawsuit, filed in Harris County District Court, comes as Tesla was recently forced to comply with California regulations over false advertising claims related to its “Autopilot” feature. 

The case, filed by the California DMV in 2022, alleged that Tesla misleadingly marketed its advanced driver assistance systems as autonomous driving technology under the names “Autopilot” and “Full Self-Driving.”

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

While the automaker attempted to challenge the ruling, it ultimately adjusted the system’s “Navigate on Autopilot” name to “Navigate on Autosteer,” among other rebranding changes.  

Tesla’s shift is part of a high-stakes effort to protect its business while aggressively expanding its fleet of Robotaxi services, including the recent launch of the Cybercab — a fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicle designed without a steering wheel, pedals or any physical controls. 

FOX Business reached out to Tesla for comment, but did not hear back.

A similar position has been advertised by ChatGPT developer OpenAI. On its careers website, it lists a job vacancy for a researcher in “biological and chemical risks”, with a salary of up to $455,000 (£335,000), almost double that offered by Anthropic.

Robert Bishop
Chief Executive Officer

Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us today for today’s presentation. I’m Rob Bishop, Chief Executive Officer of the New Hope Group. I’m joined by Rebecca Rinaldi, our CFO; and Dominic O’Brien, Executive General Manager and Company Secretary.

Before we begin, I would like to touch upon the escalating conflict in Iran and across the Middle East. The loss of civilian life and the scale of displacement are deeply distressing. The conflict has hardened concerns around global energy security, contributing to increased volatility across the energy markets, including upward pressure on coal price. The company is closely monitoring the situation and assessing how these developments may impact our operations, markets and broader business outlook, ensuring we respond in a measured and responsible manner. Further updates will be provided in future reporting.

This morning, we released our half year results for the 2026 financial year. Hopefully, you’ve had a chance to go through the presentation. But in any case, I’ll step you through our key highlights before we open up the lines for the Q&A session.

Over the last 6 months, we have seen an unfavorable movement in our 12-month moving average TRIFR, which has increased from 3.22 to 3.8. The safety of our people remains our highest priority, and we are implementing targeted measures to address this trend. Despite a period of recovery at Bengalla Mine, the group maintains saleable coal production volumes compared to the previous period, thanks to the continued ramp-up of operations at New Acland Mine. The