​RIO DE JANEIRO — Monday, April 6, 2026 — Surging energy prices linked to global geopolitical tensions are putting pressure on Brazil’s flagship cooking gas subsidy program, raising concerns about its sustainability just months ahead of the country’s presidential election. The initiative, known as “People’s Gas,” was launched by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in November 2025 as a central component of his energy policy, aiming to provide free liquefied petroleum g

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, remains one of the most strategically important routes in the global economy. Located between Iran and Oman, this passage serves as a critical channel for transporting oil from major producing countries to markets around the world. A significant portion of the world’s oil supply moves through this route each day, making it essential for maintaining stable energy markets. Because many countries r