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Westgold Resources approves $145m Higginsville mill expansion

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Westgold Resources approves $145m Higginsville mill expansion

Westgold Resources has signed off on a $145 million expansion of its Higginsville gold mill to lift processing capacity by 1 million tonnes per annum.

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Royal Mail faces scrutiny as 219 million letters arrive late despite rising stamp prices

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Royal Mail has blamed strike action for helping send it slumping to a full-year loss of more than £1 billion.

Royal Mail is facing renewed scrutiny over the reliability of Britain’s postal service after figures revealed that around 219 million letters could arrive late this year, raising concerns about service standards even as stamp prices continue to rise.

Analysis of delivery data shows that approximately 126 million First Class letters are on course to miss their next-day delivery target during the current year. At the same time, a further 93 million Second Class letters are expected to arrive later than the three-day delivery window required under current regulatory standards.

The figures have intensified pressure on the historic postal operator Royal Mail, which has been accused by MPs and consumer groups of allowing service quality to deteriorate while focusing more heavily on its more profitable parcels business.

Royal Mail has highlighted that 92.1 per cent of overall mail is delivered on time, but critics argue this headline figure masks serious underperformance in the premium First Class service.

According to the latest data, only 74.9 per cent of First Class letters have been delivered within the next-day target so far this year — significantly below the 93 per cent regulatory requirement set by the UK communications regulator Ofcom.

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If this performance continues for the remainder of the year, the shortfall will translate into around 126 million First Class letters being delivered late, equivalent to roughly one quarter of all items sent using the service.

The performance gap has drawn particular attention because the price of a First Class stamp is due to rise again next month to £1.80, almost three times the cost a decade ago.

Critics argue that the rising cost of postage sits uneasily alongside declining service reliability.

While the standard Second Class service is performing better than the premium First Class offering, it is still missing regulatory targets by a considerable margin.

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Royal Mail data indicates that 90.2 per cent of Second Class letters are currently delivered within three working days, compared with a regulatory requirement of 98.5 per cent.

That gap could result in around 93 million Second Class letters being delivered late across the course of the year.

Taken together, the combined delays across both services could affect more than 219 million letters, further fuelling complaints from households, businesses and public services that rely on reliable postal delivery.

The performance concerns have already prompted action from MPs. Last month the Business and Trade Committee launched a rapid investigation into Royal Mail’s delivery performance following widespread reports of delayed or missing letters.

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MPs said they had received numerous complaints from members of the public who had experienced important correspondence arriving days late, including medical appointment notifications, official government communications and personal milestone cards.

In some cases, residents reported receiving bundles of letters delivered together several days after their expected arrival date, raising concerns that letters may be being held back before delivery.

Royal Mail executives have denied that mail is deliberately delayed to prioritise parcel deliveries. In correspondence with MPs, the company said its sorting systems group letters according to the day they are scheduled to be delivered but insisted that it would not intentionally hold back mail in a way that caused it to miss its official delivery targets.

However, Royal Mail also acknowledged that it does not record specific data showing when letters may be deprioritised in favour of parcels, which critics say makes it difficult to fully understand how operational decisions are affecting service quality.

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Royal Mail’s internal analysis of delivery centre performance suggests that achieving regulatory delivery targets requires extremely high levels of operational coverage.

Statistical modelling by the company indicates that 99.5 per cent of delivery addresses must be served on schedule for the postal operator to meet the First Class quality standard of 90 per cent next-day delivery.

With roughly 1,200 delivery offices across the UK, even small gaps in local delivery coverage can quickly accumulate into large national shortfalls.

MPs have expressed concern that staffing shortages, delivery route changes and the growing volume of parcel deliveries may be contributing to the declining reliability of letter deliveries.

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Royal Mail’s difficulties have already resulted in regulatory action. In October 2025, Ofcom imposed a £21 million fine on the postal operator after it failed to meet delivery targets for both First and Second Class mail.

At the time, the regulator said improvements to the company’s operations were “urgent” and required a clear recovery plan.

Five months later, however, Royal Mail says it cannot yet publish the full details of its improvement strategy because negotiations are still ongoing with the Communication Workers Union.

The delay has frustrated some MPs who argue that greater transparency is needed about how the company plans to restore reliability to Britain’s postal system.

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Senior representatives from Royal Mail, Ofcom and the Communication Workers Union are scheduled to appear before the Business and Trade Committee in Parliament on 24 March to answer questions about the company’s delivery performance and plans for improvement.

MPs are expected to ask whether the Universal Service Obligation (USO) — the legal requirement that Royal Mail deliver letters nationwide at a uniform price — is being undermined by operational pressures and changing priorities within the company.

The issue has become politically sensitive since Royal Mail’s parent company was taken over last year by EP Group.

During the takeover process, EP Group provided legally binding assurances to the UK government that it would continue to support the universal postal service.

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Daniel Křetínský, the group’s chief executive, told the BBC last year that he intended to honour the service “for as long as I am alive”.

The scrutiny also comes after Ofcom introduced significant changes to postal delivery rules in July 2025.

Under the updated regulations, Second Class letters are now delivered every other weekday rather than daily, while Royal Mail must also report performance against new “backstop” targets that measure letters arriving up to two days late.

The regulator said the changes were designed to modernise the postal service while recognising the steep decline in traditional letter volumes and the rapid growth of parcel deliveries driven by online shopping.

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However, critics argue that even with relaxed standards, Royal Mail is still struggling to meet its delivery obligations.

With stamp prices continuing to rise and millions of households still dependent on postal communication for essential services, MPs say the reliability of Britain’s letter service remains a critical issue that must be addressed urgently.


Amy Ingham

Amy is a newly qualified journalist specialising in business journalism at Business Matters with responsibility for news content for what is now the UK’s largest print and online source of current business news.

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The Man Who Fights for the Voiceless

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The Man Who Fights for the Voiceless

Chetann Kishor Patel and the Legal Revolution for Animal Justice.

In a nation where compassion often battles convenience, one man has chosen to stand where it is hardest to stand beside the voiceless.

From the bustling streets of Mumbai to municipal corridors hundreds of kilometres away, Chetann Kishor Patel has emerged as a formidable and fearless force in India’s animal welfare landscape. An animal lover by heart and an Animals Rights Legal Advisor by profession, Patel is the Founder & Director of Illuminating Hope Foundation (IHF) India An Animal Welfare Core litigation organization, that is quietly but powerfully reshaping how India responds to animal injustice.

He does not merely rescue animals. He protects them with the Constitution.

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Law in His Hands, Compassion in His Heart

The Man Who Fights for the Voiceless

 

While many speak about kindness, Patel enforces it.

Through strategic legal interventions, representations, and notices, he has secured justice for thousands of community and wild animals. His work bridges the emotional and the institutional ensuring that compassion is not reduced to sentiment, but reinforced by law.

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His approach is direct, structured, and unapologetically firm: Animal welfare is not optional. It is a legal obligation.

The Jaora Stand: When Silence Was Not an Option

One of the defining moments of his advocacy came in Jaora, where alarming reports surfaced regarding:

  • Alleged illegal relocation of street dogs
  • The running of an unlawful Animal Birth Control (ABC) Centre
  • Harassment of local feeders

Where many would hesitate, Chetann Kishor Patel acted.

Legal notices were formally sent to the Collector of Ratlam (M.P), Superintendent of Police of Ratlam (M.P), Chief Municipal Officer of Jaora Nagarparishad (Ratlam District), and the local police station — demanding accountability and lawful compliance.

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The message was clear: Community animals cannot be picked up, displaced, or confined outside the legal framework. Compassionate citizens cannot be criminalized for feeding.

This was not activism for headlines. It was activism for justice.

Defender of the Feeders Across India, community animal feeders everyday citizens who ensure that street animals survive often face hostility, misinformation, and intimidation.

Chetann Kishor Patel stands as their legal shield.

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He affirms what the law already recognizes: feeding community animals is not a nuisance; it is a humane act protected within legal boundaries. Harassment of feeders is not a civic order it is a violation.

By defending feeders, Patel protects the ecosystem of compassion that sustains millions of street animals.

Under Chetann Kishor Patel’s leadership, Illuminating Hope Foundation (IHF) India has evolved into more than an organization — it is a legal movement.

Illuminating Hope Foundation (IHF) India works at the intersection of animal protection law, civic responsibility, and constitutional values. From addressing unlawful municipal practices to advocating for proper implementation of Animal Birth Control Rules, the foundation operates with precision and persistence.

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It is not noise-driven activism. It is result-driven advocacy.

Every notice served. Every representation filed. Every illegal act challenged.

Each step reinforces one fundamental belief: justice must extend beyond humans.

Chetann Kishor Patel represents a new generation of animal rights defenders — strategic, legally equipped, emotionally grounded, and institutionally aware.

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He understands that real change is not created through outrage alone, but through structured legal action.

In him, the movement finds both fire and framework. His Words, His Mission

“Compassion is not weakness it is strength guided by responsibility. When we protect animals, we protect the moral fabric of our society. I do not fight authorities; I fight injustice. And I will continue until every voiceless life receives the dignity it deserves.”  -Chetann Kishor Patel.

In a world that often looks away, Chetann Kishor Patel looks closer.

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Where systems hesitate, he proceeds. Where animals suffer silently, he speaks loudly and legally.

And in doing so, he is not just illuminating hope. He is enforcing it.

Disclaimer –

This article is a work of original content created for public relations and informational purposes only. It may be published across multiple digital platforms with the full knowledge and consent of the author/publisher. All images, logos, and referenced names are the property of their respective owners and used here solely for illustrative or informational purposes. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of this article without prior written permission from the original publisher is strictly prohibited. Any resemblance to other content is purely coincidental or used under fair use policy with proper attribution.

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Morning Bid: Oil’s combustible calm

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Morning Bid: Oil’s combustible calm

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Domino’s UK profit drops 15% as sales struggle hits FTSE 250 chain

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Domino's UK profit drops 15% as sales struggle hits FTSE 250 chain

The pizza chain saw underlying profit before tax fall from £107m to £91m, while total orders declined 0.9% in the year to December 2025

A Domino's pizza branch

A Domino’s pizza branch(Image: Getty Images)

Domino’s Pizza has experienced a 15 per cent profit decline as it grappled with lacklustre sales and a “challenging consumer backdrop”.

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Whilst overall turnover at the FTSE 250-listed pizza operator rose 1.5 per cent to £1.6bn, the like-for-like figure – excluding variables such as VAT – crept up by just 0.2 per cent in the year to December 2025.

Analysts had sounded warnings that the chain’s new “Chick ‘N’ Dip” range would detract from its core offering, but the company maintains 80 per cent of orders for the new range featured a pizza.

The group’s share price rallied on Tuesday’s market open despite the fall in profits, climbing 3.8 per cent to 193p, taking shares up more than 11 per cent in the year to date.

Domino’s is presently headed by both an interim chief executive and an interim finance director, following the sudden exit of former boss Andrew Rennie in November after merely two years at the helm, as reported by City AM.

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Underlying profit before tax tumbled from £107m to £91m, whilst revenue grew by only 3.1 per cent to £685m.

Domino’s launched 31 new outlets in 2025, which was marginally ahead of forecasts, but witnessed total orders drop by 0.9 per cent.

The new launches take the group’s total franchise to 1,399 outlets in the UK and Ireland.

The pizza operator was the UK’s most-shorted business in October last year, as investors such as Blackrock and Citadel wagered that the group would suffer from escalating labour costs and weak consumer confidence. Although the intense speculation surrounding the company has subsided, leaving it as the twelfth-most shorted firm, shares have fallen 34 per cent in the past year.

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Dan Lane, analyst at Robinhood, stated that the group will be banking on its new “Chick ‘N’ Dip” menu as it eyes greener pastures in the realm of fried chicken giants KFC and Popeyes.

He said: “We might not be at “peak pizza” but the company will certainly have to find a way to turn innovation into profit growth if it wants to give up its place as one of the most shorted stocks on the UK market.”

Interim chief executive Nicola Frampton stood by the new offerings, stating: “We are excited about a number of strategic and operational initiatives to drive sustainable growth, including the successful system-wide launch of Chick ‘N’ Dip.”

The fried chicken range, which Domino’s outgoing chief executive had labelled as a “bold new chapter,” will be followed up by a “pipeline” of new products, Frampton confirmed.

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Thailand Visitors Keep an Eye on Weakening Thai Baht Against US Dollar

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Economic and Monetary Conditions for January 2026

Foreign tourists in Thailand are monitoring the Thai baht’s decline against the US dollar, which impacts their spending. A weaker baht enhances their purchasing power amidst global economic uncertainty.


Key Points

  • Foreign tourists are monitoring the Thai Baht’s depreciation against the US Dollar, which opened at 31.77 per dollar, down from 31.60. Analysts expect the currency to fluctuate between 31.55 and 31.95 as global economic conditions evolve.
  • The weaker baht benefits tourists, enhancing their purchasing power for hotels, food, and entertainment. Analysts attribute the baht’s decline to a strengthening US dollar fueled by rising Treasury yields and robust US economic data.
  • Market observers anticipate upcoming US labor market figures could impact interest rate expectations and the dollar’s value, while ongoing geopolitical tensions contribute to currency volatility, prompting continued attention from Pattaya visitors.

Currency Movements and Tourists’ Spending Power

Foreign tourists in Thailand are closely monitoring the recent weakening of the Thai baht against the US dollar, a trend fueled by global financial uncertainties. As the baht opened at 31.77 per dollar, down from 31.60, many visitors are keenly aware of how this affects their purchasing power in areas like hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. Analysts predict the baht will fluctuate between 31.55 and 31.95 in the coming days, influenced by ongoing economic data and geopolitical situations. A weaker baht generally translates to greater spending power for tourists, especially from regions like Europe and North America.


Implications of Economic Trends

The challenges facing the baht can be attributed to a stronger US dollar, bolstered by factors such as increasing US Treasury yields and robust economic indicators. Investors are adjusting their expectations regarding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions, which enhances the dollar’s position.

Additionally, falling gold prices and heightened global uncertainties linked to geopolitical tensions are pressuring regional currencies, including the baht. Despite this depreciation, market analysts anticipate that the baht’s decline may be gradual, with traders actively engaging when it nears key resistance levels of 31.85 and a psychological mark of 32.00 per dollar.

Effects on Tourism in Thailand

For Thailand’s vibrant tourism sector, currency fluctuations hold significant importance. A slight depreciation of the baht can stimulate spending among tourists, resulting in greater engagement with local services and attractions. As they navigate uncertainty in global markets, visitors from various backgrounds will likely remain vigilant about the baht’s movements against the dollar.

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50 government-funded 4G mast upgrades go live across Wales under Shared Rural Network programme

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50 government-funded 4G mast upgrades go live across Wales under Shared Rural Network programme

Fifty government-funded mobile mast upgrades have now been activated across Wales as part of the UK’s Shared Rural Network (SRN) programme, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve digital connectivity in some of the country’s most remote communities.

The newly upgraded masts form part of a wider national rollout designed to expand reliable 4G coverage to rural areas that have historically struggled with weak or inconsistent mobile signals. Across the UK, a total of 119 masts funded through the initiative are now live, helping to extend coverage to towns, villages, national parks and major road routes that previously experienced patchy service.

The latest upgrades have been delivered by enhancing existing infrastructure rather than constructing entirely new sites, allowing communities to benefit from stronger mobile coverage while limiting the environmental and planning challenges associated with building additional towers. As a result, residents, visitors and businesses across rural Wales can now access more reliable connectivity without significant changes to the surrounding landscape.

Communities benefiting from the latest phase of the rollout include Ysbyty Ifan, Pentrefoelas, Capel Celyn, Painscastle, Hay-on-Wye, Llanigon, Tregoyd, Doly-y-Gaer, Clwydyfagwyr, Pontsticill, Torpantau, Llanddewi, Dolau, Llandegley, Crossgates and Abbeycwmhir. The improvements also extend into key tourism areas including Eryri National Park and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, both of which attract millions of visitors each year.

In addition to strengthening coverage in rural settlements, the upgrades provide full 4G access from all four of the UK’s major mobile network operators, EE, Three UK, Virgin Media O2, and Vodafone, across more than 3,400 kilometres of Welsh roads. For many drivers travelling through rural areas, this means improved navigation, communication and access to emergency services in places where signals were previously unreliable.

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The Shared Rural Network was first announced in 2020 as a partnership between the UK government and the country’s mobile operators to close the digital divide between urban centres and rural communities. The programme combines £184 million in public funding with more than £500 million of private sector investment from mobile network providers to expand nationwide coverage.

Since the initiative began, 4G coverage from all four operators has expanded significantly, rising from around 66 per cent of the UK’s landmass to approximately 81 per cent. According to programme operator Mova, the expansion represents an area roughly equivalent to the combined size of Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ben Roome, chief executive of Mova, said the Welsh milestone demonstrates the power of collaboration between government and industry in addressing longstanding connectivity gaps.

“Upgrading 50 EAS masts in Wales shows the strength of a shared, neutral programme,” he said. “Every site benefits every operator, every community and every mobile user. Together they represent practical steps toward fairer, more resilient connectivity across rural Wales.”

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Improved connectivity is expected to deliver a range of economic and social benefits, particularly for rural businesses and tourism operators that increasingly rely on mobile access for digital services. Reliable 4G coverage can support online bookings for hospitality businesses, enable farmers and rural enterprises to use cloud-based tools, and allow residents to access services such as banking, healthcare and education platforms more easily.

The milestone has also been welcomed by the UK government. Jo Stevens said that improving mobile coverage is an essential part of supporting economic growth and opportunity across rural communities.

“Access to fast and reliable mobile coverage is increasingly important for residents, businesses and community organisations in rural communities all over Wales,” she said. “Hitting this milestone is an important step in our mission to grow the Welsh economy, supporting businesses to succeed and creating opportunities in every corner of Wales.”

Nationwide, the Shared Rural Network programme has already delivered improved connectivity to an additional 280,000 premises and more than 16,000 kilometres of roads. The upgrades focus largely on so-called Extended Area Service masts, which were originally designed to provide coverage from a single operator but are now being modernised so that customers from all networks can benefit.

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Further upgrades are planned as the programme continues over the coming years, with the goal of ensuring that even the UK’s most remote communities can access reliable mobile connectivity. For many parts of rural Wales, the activation of these latest sites represents a meaningful improvement in everyday digital access, helping to ensure that residents and businesses are no longer left behind in an increasingly connected economy.


Jamie Young

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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Stellantis taps Toyota, Bosch suppliers for hybrid tech for Jeep

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Stellantis taps Toyota, Bosch suppliers for hybrid tech for Jeep

2026 Jeep Cherokee.

Courtesy: Stellantis

DETROIT — Jeep maker Stellantis is leaning on technologies from automotive suppliers for its newest hybrid SUVs as the market for more fuel-efficient vehicles is expected to continue growing, CNBC has learned.

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The trans-Atlantic automaker’s first-ever Jeep hybrid SUV for North America, its recently launched Cherokee, features a system from a Toyota-backed company called Blue Nexus, while its upcoming extended-range electric vehicles, or EREVs, are utilizing major technologies from Bosch, the world’s largest automotive supplier.

It’s not uncommon for automakers to use components from suppliers, but it’s less common for key systems or technologies, especially ones pioneered by a competitor like Toyota.

But Stellantis’ push is a prime example of broader market shifts away from all-electric vehicles and a way carmakers can more quickly get hybrid vehicles — which have been increasingly in demand even before oil prices spiked — to market, potentially at a lower capital cost. Many automakers have already lost billions of dollars due to massive spending on EVs, including developing and producing many of the technologies themselves.

The Jeep Cherokee, which is using Blue Nexus’ two-motor electric continuously variable hybrid transmission, and the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer EREV are major launches for the automaker this year, especially as it attempts to regain market share in the U.S. Stellantis also plans to use the EREV system on its Ram pickup trucks.

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“Electrification trends are pretty flat. Hybrid trends are absolutely growing,” Richard Cox, Jeep senior vice president of brand operations, told CNBC during a recent media event for the 2026 Cherokee. “So I think it was a big move in the right direction.”

Officials with Stellantis and the auto suppliers declined to comment on the tie-ups, but sources with each of the companies who weren’t permitted to speak publicly about the partnerships confirmed the details to CNBC.

Both hybrid systems operate differently. The Cherokee is more of a traditional hybrid vehicle, much like many of Toyota’s models, including the Prius.

The upcoming EREVs, meanwhile, drive like all-electric vehicles until an engine kicks in and works as a generator to power the vehicle’s electric motors when the vehicle’s battery is depleted. The engine powers the electric motors rather than the vehicle itself.

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Both hybrid systems use Stellantis engines and have been integrated to meet the company’s own standards and driving dynamics, according to two sources with the automaker.

Both systems are also expected to significantly improve the fuel economy of the vehicles, including the Cherokee, that at 37 mpg combined is the most fuel-efficient, non-plug-in Jeep ever produced for the U.S.

“Consumers have been accepting of [full-hybrid electric vehicle] technology due to improvements in fuel economy, [a] wide portfolio of vehicles to choose from, and as they do not require lifestyle changes to benefit from the system,” said Eric Anderson, S&P Global Mobility associate director of Americas light vehicle powertrain forecasting.

From EVs to hybrids

Stellantis and other automakers invested billions of dollars in recent years to develop all-electric vehicles to meet federal regulations and unsubstantiated consumer demand, but most have pulled back on those investments and are eyeing hybrids to increase the fuel economy of vehicles and meet customers’ expectations.

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Stellantis last month disclosed $26 billion in charges related to its EV plans, while its crosstown Detroit rivals also have announced write-downs. Ford Motor said it would record $19.5 billion in special charges as it pulls back on EV plans, while General Motors said its write-down would be $7.6 billion due to its EV changes.

Ram 1500 extended range hybrid pickup, set to come to market in early 2026, will have the longest driving range the company has ever offered in a light-duty truck, up to 690 total miles between its gas engine and battery power.

Ram | Stellantis

Peter Tadros, president of Bosch’s North America power solutions, said the auto supplier has received an influx of inquiries into its hybrid systems as automakers look to pivot away from EVs and get to market quickly, with a reliable system and partner.

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“There’s definitely a very big interest in these systems,” he told CNBC. “What’s been very apparent over the last few years is hybrid sales have increased regardless of what’s in the regulations, regardless of the political leaning. It’s been a consistent increase in the market.”

Led by Toyota, sales of hybrids in the U.S. have increased from 7.3% of the market in 2023 to 12.6% last year, according to S&P Global Mobility. That compares with sales of all-electric vehicles during that time rising from 7.5% to 8%. 

S&P Global Mobility expects hybrid electric vehicles to account for 18.4% of U.S. sales this year, while all-electric vehicles are forecast to be 7.1%.

Tadros declined to comment on any relationship with Stellantis, citing company policies, but said it’s common for Bosch to work closely and partner with automakers to launch new vehicles and products.

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“There is no one silver bullet, and everybody’s coming at it from a different direction,” he said. “It depends on each [automaker], where their strength, where their capital equipment, is and how they best utilize it, and this is their starting point.”

Bosch offers what the industry refers to as “off the shelf” components, which the company then integrates with each automaker’s particular use case. Other than EREV, Bosch also offers components for more traditional hybrids as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that operate similar to EREVs but drive more like traditional gas-powered vehicles rather than EVs.

Toyota tech

Stellantis, more than some other automakers, has a history of teaming up with others in the industry to reduce research and development costs and capital. It has a long-standing partnership with German auto supplier ZF for transmissions and axle systems.

“They’ve often relied on supplier partners for things like that,” said Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at communications and advisory firm Telemetry. “The benefit is, you can take something that has perhaps already been invested in, developed by a supplier. Take something off the shelf, you potentially bring it to market more quickly.”

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Abuelsamid said downsides include the parts potentially not integrating perfectly with vehicle systems and a company not having control over the supply chain of key components.

In the 2000s, as the Toyota Prius was gaining traction in the U.S., the Japanese automaker cut deals with Ford and Nissan Motor to license or use certain hybrid technologies for their vehicles. But those deals and the vehicles that were produced from them, such as Ford Escape and Nissan Altima hybrids, did not last long.

Blue Nexus is a joint venture established in 2019 between Japanese automotive suppliers Denso and Aisin, which are both part of Toyota Motor’s parent group. It sells electrified components such as electronic axles, or e-axles, and hybrid systems such as the Toyota Hybrid System II, which includes the two-motor electric continuously variable hybrid transmission the Jeep Cherokee is using.

A representative from Blue Nexus could not be reached for comment. Toyota, Denso and Aisin declined to comment or did not respond for requests to comment.

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RCF, FACT and other fertiliser stocks rocket up to 17%. What’s triggering the surge?

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RCF, FACT and other fertiliser stocks rocket up to 17%. What’s triggering the surge?
Shares of fertiliser companies such as Fertiliser and Chemical Travencore (FACT), Chambal Fertiliser, Rashtriya Chemical Fertiliser (RCF), National Fertilisers, among others, rallied up to 17% on Tuesday after the government issued the Natural Gas Regulation Order, 2026.

Under the order, natural gas supply to fertiliser plants will be capped at 70% of their average consumption over the past six months. It also specifies that the gas allocated to these units cannot be used for any purpose other than fertiliser production.

Natural gas plays a critical role for fertiliser companies as a majority of it is used as feedstock in the production of ammonia, which is the primary input required to manufacture urea. Apart from this, gas is also used to generate the extreme heat and high-pressure environment required for the chemical reactions involved in the manufacturing process.

The directive comes amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz. With key suppliers invoking force majeure, the government has ordered a diversion of natural gas supplies toward priority sectors of the economy.

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The order has been issued under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, which derives its authority from the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The law empowers the Centre to regulate the supply, distribution and trade of petroleum products to ensure equitable distribution.


Last week, Gujarat Gas and Petronet LNG invoked force majeure for their industrial customers under the provisions of their Gas Supply Agreements, restricting the daily contracted quantity.
According to the order, four sectors have been assigned the highest priority and will continue to receive 100% of their average gas consumption over the past six months.These sectors include domestic piped natural gas (PNG), compressed natural gas (CNG) used in transport, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production, including shrinkage requirements, as well as pipeline compressor fuel and other essential operational needs.

Fertiliser plants have been placed in the second priority category and will receive 70% of their average gas consumption over the past six months, subject to operational availability.

The third priority category includes tea industries, manufacturing units and other industrial consumers connected to the national gas grid, which will receive 80% of their average consumption during the past six months.

The fourth priority group covers industrial and commercial consumers served by city gas distribution (CGD) companies, who will also receive 80% of their average gas consumption over the previous six months.

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FACT shares rallied the most, gaining 17%, while RCF and National Fertilisers soared 12% each. Gujarat State Fertilisers and Coromandel International gained up to 6%. Paradeep Phosphates and Chambal also rose to 6%.

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

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Adecco cuts dividend by 60%, posts earnings drop as Akkodis drags in 2025

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Adecco cuts dividend by 60%, posts earnings drop as Akkodis drags in 2025

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Gas crisis hits India amid Middle East war: These 30 stocks likely to see biggest impact

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Gas crisis hits India amid Middle East war: These 30 stocks likely to see biggest impact
Gas supply shortages have begun to show up in Indian cities as the war in the Middle East continues to rage on, despite US President Donald Trump suggesting that the conflict may end soon. Several sectors including fertilisers, quick service restaurants (QSR), tiles and others are likely to be on the direct line-of-fire amid the crisis.

As a result of supply constraints arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices have surged in India. Domestic cooking gas now costs Rs 60 more per cylinder, while commercial LPG price rose by Rs 114.5. European natural gas prices jumped nearly 40% last week after Qatar Energy halted production at a key LNG facility amid escalating Middle East tensions.

The Indian government today issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order 2026, in order to prioritise PNG, CNG and LPG production in gas allocation. However, concerns around persisting Middle East tensions leading to prolonged supply cuts have been looming over markets. Here are 30 stocks which may directly be impacted in case the gas shortages persist:

Fertiliser stocks: GNFC, Chambal Fertilizers, RCF, FACT, Deepak Nitrite

Urea production relies heavily on imported LNG, and a sustained shortage would impact fertilizer companies, just as farmers prepare for the coming summer crop cycle, followed by the kharif or monsoon crop season. India imports nearly its entire requirement of muriate of potash and up to 60% of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), besides being dependent on LNG imports.
Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals informed exchanges on Friday that the war in the Middle East had adversely impacted the supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and its supplier GAIL has issued a force majeure notice. “Accordingly, due to the supply constraints, the allocation of RLNG quantities to GNFC under the supply agreement has been restricted to 60% of the Daily Contracted Quantity (DCQ) on an overall basis with effect from March 06, 2026. This will have an impact on the production of Neem Urea,” it said.

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As a result, the stock tanked more than 5% on Monday. However, all fertiliser stocks are up today, after the government issued the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order 2026, noting that fertiliser plants will receive 70% of their average gas supply over the past six months.
Other stocks in the sector which will remain in focus include Chambal Fertilizers & Chemicals, RCF, FACT and Deepak Nitrite. These stocks have fallen up to 20% in 2026 so far.

Restaurant stocks: Eternal, Swiggy, Jubilant Foodworks, others

The shares of food delivery conglomerates Eternal and Swiggy, along with quick-service restaurant operators like Jubilant Foodworks (operates Domino’s), Devyani International and Sapphire Foods (operates KFC and Pizza Hut), Westlife FoodWorld (operates McDonald’s) and Speciality Restaurants (operates Mainland China and other brands), will remain in focus amid rising LPG shortages.

Supply shortages have emerged in several cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru, with restaurants in some areas warning of possible closures due to insufficient fuel. India imports more than 60% of its domestic LPG needs, and around 85–90% of these imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The country consumed 31.3 million tonnes of LPG in FY25, of which only 12.8 million tonnes were produced domestically.

Indian government is trying to regulate the LPG supplies during the ongoing crisis. “In light of current geopolitical disruptions to fuel supply and constraints on supply of LPG, Ministry has issued orders to oil refineries for higher LPG production and using such extra production for domestic LPG use,” the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in a post on X.

“The ministry has prioritised domestic LPG supply to households and introduced 25 day inter- booking period to avoid hoarding/black marketing. Non domestic supplies from imported LPG are being prioritised to essential non domestic sectors such as Hospitals and Educational institutions,” it added.

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Gas importers, transporters & distributors: IGL, MGL, Petronet LNG, GAIL

Companies responsible for importing, transporting, and distributing gas will possibly remain at the forefront of the crisis, facing simultaneous volume and price risks. LNG importer Petronet LNG faces direct exposure to cargo disruptions from Qatar due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Gas transmission giant GAIL will possibly suffer reduced throughput volumes as supply tightens, while city gas distributors IGL and MGL will experience the dual challenge of securing supplies and managing the pass-through of sharply higher costs to end consumers (CNG for vehicles and PNG for homes/industry), creating both volume and margin risk.

Tile makers: Kajaria Ceramics, Somany Ceramics, Cera Sanitaryware

As the Middle East conflict continues to choke India’s domestic gas supply, tile companies are likely to be impacted as LNG and propane account for approximately 70% of fuel for the Morbi Tiles industry, which is notably curtailed now. “This could impact domestic Tile production and margins, as energy cost is 20-25% of net sales. Approximately +5% rise in fuel cost could impact EPS by est 5-7%,” Jefferies said.

The international brokerage sees the supply constraints possibly impacting the production volumes of tile makers, as many manufacturers may find it unviable to operate due to gas price spike. Notably, international LNG spot prices spiked by more than 46% last week, as Middle East conflict escalated.

Auto ancillaries: Samvardhana Motherson

While rising oil prices may impact auto stocks, rising gas prices may impact the auto ancillary industry. Nomura in its note said that companies like Samvardhana Motherson may face cost pressure from rising gas prices in the EU in the near term, which however gets passed on with a lag. “Auto ancillaries could also face more near-term downside as valuations are not close to -1SD,” it added.

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Consumer Durables: PG Electroplast, Amber Enterprises

Gas is one of the key raw materials for fridge-makers in the consumer durables industry. PG Electroplast said in an exchange filing that its suppliers have imposed certain supply restrictions, due to which the company’s allocation of LPG quantities has been constrained.

Other key players in the industry, including Amber Enterprises, LG Electronics India, Voltas, Blue Star and Hitachi Energy India will also remain under the radar.

Other stocks:

Glass makers like Borosil Renewables will also be under active watch amid the rising gas shortages, as furnaces in this industry are highly gas-intensive. The company’s Executive Chairman Pradeep Kheruka told CNBC-TV18 during an interview today that it has backup fuel and operations are currently normal, although it has received notice that supply contracts are subject to force majeure during the ongoing conflict.

Other stocks like SRF, Finolex Industries, Styrenix, Aarti Industries and others may also be affected.

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

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