Production: Minenhle Thusi | Journalist: Richard Roberts

Welcome to your Daily NovaNews Newscast, your trusted source for the stories that matter most, from your street to the world stage. Let’s get into today’s headlines.

Diesel prices are surging to record highs worldwide — and the crisis is not simply about a shortage of crude oil. Refineries cannot produce fuel fast enough to meet demand. In the United States, drivers paid a record 6.52 dollars, about R108.50, a gallon on Monday — roughly R28.60 a litre. In France, diesel reached 2.41 euros, about R44.83, a litre. The International Energy Agency says global oil stocks have fallen by 507 million barrels since the war in the Middle East began, leaving Europe especially exposed. Economist Paul Krugman says the real problem is refineries, not oil supply — and there are no quick fixes.

In other news, South Africa wants direct talks with the US to fix strained relations. Ambassador Roelf Meyer says the situation is tense but can be solved through dialogue. South Africa could lose AGOA, a duty-free trade deal with the US that runs until December 2028. The Trump administration has already imposed visa restrictions on certain South Africans and blocked the South African government from G20 meetings in the US, including December’s summit.

And finally, former Vlakplaas commander Eugene de Kock has told the Khampepe Commission that prosecutors protected apartheid-era generals from being charged. De Kock, known as Prime Evil, said he was made a scapegoat. He claimed former president PW Botha ordered the Cosatu House bombing, and that FW de Klerk has the blood of children on his hands over a 1993 raid that killed 5 people, including 12-year-old twins.

That’s your NovaNews newscast for today. For the full stories and more, head to www.novanews.co.za — free, no paywalls. Follow us on WhatsApp for news straight to your phone. Stay informed, and we’ll see you next time.