The Iran war is driving fuel prices through the roof — and now the EU is fighting back with emergency cash. On April 29, EU Competition Chief Teresa Ribera announced new temporary subsidies: businesses in agriculture, fisheries, and transport can claim up to 50,000 to cover up to 70% of extra fuel and fertilizer costs caused by the crisis. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are trading blows. Trump blasted Merz for “interfering” with efforts against the Iran nuclear threat and told him to focus on ending the Russia-Ukraine war instead. In Germany, petrol prices have jumped 11 cents per litre since March. Angry drivers are feeling the pain: construction firms can’t pass costs on, and many question why they’re forced to save energy while oil ships from the US burn dirty fuel. Fears of jet fuel shortages are also rising as summer travel kicks off — but EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas insists there are no shortages yet and new guidance on aviation flexibilities is coming next week. Two months into the Iran war and the global fallout is undeniable. In this explainer we break down the EU bailout, the Trump-Mertz drama, real German street reactions, and what it means for your wallet and summer holidays. Drop your thoughts below — is this enough help or just a band-aid Like | Share | Subscribe for more breaking explainers!