Adam Whittaker

Failure to get fertilizer supplies moving through the Persian Gulf risks worsening food shortages and triggering higher grain prices that could take time to come down.

Read this exciting story from The Wall Street Journal June 13, 2026 issue. Conflict in the Middle East is threatening to spike grain prices and exacerbate hunger among the world’s poor, says the chief executive of fertilizer manufacturer Fertiglobe.

The energy company will spend more on oil and gas projects in a bid to grow production and increase shareholder returns.

The company backed its full-year guidance, but warned that the impact of the Middle East conflict on its customers and business remained uncertain.

Shares jumped after the company reported high demand across gas services, and said order visibility remained high.

Shell expects global physical cargos of liquefied natural gas to be at similar levels as last year before returning to growth in 2027, it said in an [annual report](https://www.wsj/finance/commodities-futures/shell-warns-global-lng-supply-could-contract-if-strait-of-hormuz-disruption-continues-1

Associated British Foods backed its guidance across all businesses apart from its sugar unit which it said would post a loss as market conditions deteriorate.

Thales said it signed an agreement with the Gorge family for their combined stake, valuing Exail at $4.46 billion, including debt.

The British energy major said its gas-trading division is expected to report significantly higher results than the first quarter, but integrated gas unit production is set to fall.

The iconic Midland Hotel in Manchester has seen many a famous guest over the years. The Edwardian building has always been a symbol of elegance, ever