Here’s your UK news roundup for Wednesday (15 April 2026):
Fuel prices stop rising after 43 days of increases
The price of petrol and diesel has stopped rising after 43 days of increases, according to the latest figures from motoring organisation the RAC. The temporary ceasefire in the Gulf has brought the price of crude oil down from its recent peaks, and with it the cost of fuel on wholesale markets. However, prices still remain sharply higher than before the war started. Petrol is now selling for just over 158p a litre on average, up from 133p in late February, while diesel has risen from 142p a litre to 192p, the RAC said. [BBC]
UK military chiefs asked to find £3.5 billion in savings – and get ready for war
UK military chiefs have been asked to find £3.5bn in “efficiencies” and other savings this year, even as Sir Keir Starmer says he is readying his armed forces for war, sources have signalled. One source said the heads of the army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and other top brass were due to meet this week to discuss the funding pressures. [Sky News]
Lidl and Iceland ads banned under new UK junk food rules
Lidl and Iceland have become the first companies to have ads banned after the introduction of rules cracking down on the marketing of junk food in the UK. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has been policing the ban on ads featuring junk food on TV before 9pm, and in paid online advertising at any time of the day, since 5 January. [Guardian]
Telegraph takeover given government green light
The years-long saga over the Daily Telegraph’s ownership is poised to reach a conclusion, after the government announced it had approved Axel Springer’s offer for the broadsheet newspaper. The German publishing giant, which owns Politico, Business Insider and the Bild tabloid, said on Tuesday that Britain’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport had given it the green light to press ahead with its £575m deal to buy the Telegraph Media Group. Axel Springer took much of the UK media industry off-guard when it tabled a shock bid for the right-leaning news organisation last month, trumping an earlier offer from the owner of the Daily Mail. [CityAM]
Financial news
On Wednesday, Oil was trading lower at $95.70. The pound is trading at $1.36, €1.15, and ¥9.25.
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