Energy Prices

Power brokers in Guangdong are canceling long-term supply deals with factories as Iran war disruptions spike spot electricity prices, eroding broker margins on fixed-price contracts. The crisis validates China's clean tech dominance, with exports hitting a record $22.3 billion in December as global buyers pivot from fossil fuels. China controls over 70 percent of global EV manufacturing and 85 percent of battery cell production, positioning firms like CATL and BYD for windfall demand. Oil prices above $100 per barrel are raising global inflation by 0.6-1.2 percentage points, with regions like Europe facing inflation near 4 percent as energy-dependent economies scramble for alternatives.

Most Brits are furious with Labour over rising energy costs — not because the government caused them, but because it promised to fix them without explaining how. The tax fears mounting around Westminster reflect a deeper problem: voters bought the campaign promises about green transition without reading the fine print on who pays for it. Energy prices don't respect election cycles, and Labour's discovering that opposition talking points don't survive contact with actual policy constraints. The honeymoon ends when the bills arrive.