Spanish government agrees transport aid package to end strikes

STORY: Spanish government agrees transport aid package to end strikes DATELINE: March 26, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:48 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: POLITICS/SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of the strike 2. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): RAQUEL SANCHEZ, Spanish Transport Minister STORYLINE: The government of Spain and the country's National Road Transport Committee (CNTC) concluded an agreement on Friday to give financial aid to transport workers to end a strike that has lasted for 12 days and caused severe damage to the economy. Under the agreement, the price of a liter of fuel will be reduced by 20 eurocents until June 30, although this could be extended if the effects of the conflict in Ukraine continue to force fuel prices up. The price reduction will be borne partly by the government (15 eurocents) and by the fuel companies. SOUNDBITE (Spanish): RAQUEL SANCHEZ, Spanish Transport Minister "It is a satisfaction to announce that we have reached an agreement that has to be the end of the conflict and the strike that h

Greek gov't announces 1.1-bln-euro support package to tackle energy price spike

STORY: Greek gov't announces 1.1-bln-euro support package to tackle energy price spike DATELINE: March 18, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:45 LOCATION: Athens CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of street views in Greece 2. SOUNDBITE (Greek): GIANNIS OIKONOMOU, Greek government spokesperson STORYLINE: Greece's government presented on Thursday a three-month package of support measures worth 1.1 billion euros (1.2 billion U.S. dollars) to help households and businesses cope with the energy crisis. SOUNDBITE (Greek): GIANNIS OIKONOMOU, Greek government spokesperson "The measures we are announcing today exceed 1 billion euros and are addressed to 3.2 million of citizens, while the total amount of interventions to support Greek society reaches 4 billion euros to date." The new package of support measures will include power bill subsidies and a fuel rebate of 22 eurocents per liter for consumption up to 60 liters per month for those with an annual income of up to 30,000 euros. Taxi drivers, low-income pensioners

France sees soaring fuel prices

STORY: France sees soaring fuel prices DATELINE: March 16, 2022 LENGTH: 00:00:54 LOCATION: Paris CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of a petrol station in France STORYLINE: The price of petrol now exceeds two euros (2.19 U.S. dollars) per liter in France because of the Ukraine crisis, putting a severe strain on business and household budgets. In mid-February, the average price of petrol in France was 1.70 euros per liter. Following the Ukraine crisis in the last days of February, the price rocketed to over two euros per liter within a few days. Starting from Monday, petrol stations of France's major retail brands have introduced an average decrease of around 35 eurocents per liter. The French prime minister has also said that from April 1, all French citizens who use petrol will be reimbursed 15 eurocents per liter, which will be in effect for four months. According to the Bank of France, the annual inflation rate in the country is expected to reach 3.7 percent this year. Xinhua N

ECONOMY-ILLUSTRATION

ECONOMY-ILLUSTRATION

Euro and euro cents coins are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on January 6, 2022. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto) (Credit:Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Kyodo News Images)