First casualties of the war in merchant shipping: the Houthis strike where oil was being transported to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, US Secretary Wright boasts of record volumes but is contradicted by experts

The Italian frigate Thaon di Revel has boarded a second suspicious oil tanker in less than two weeks. After years of financial sanctions, Brussels is opening a new front at sea: the expanded Irini mandate allows European forces to inspect vessels suspected of helping Russia evade oil sanctions

The shortage of barrels could now lead to further price rises, given that Beijing has resumed imports. And the market is already showing signs of fearing a persistent shortage. Meanwhile, yesterday the Houthis threatened Saudi Arabia, but no attacks have been reported