The ongoing Iran war, now nearing four weeks with no clear resolution, is already pushing oil prices above $100 per barrel, with visible impact on fuel and household costs. Against this backdrop, Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of BlackRock, has outlined two sharply divergent paths for oil markets and the global economy.Speaking to the BBC, Fink said the conflict could either ease, leading to a sharp fall in oil prices, or persist, keeping crude elevated for years. “I could paint a scenario where I could see, a year from now, oil at $40 a barrel… I could see it above $150. We have two very extreme outcomes,” he said.The impact is already being felt in the US, where the national average price of gasoline has climbed to nearly $4 per gallon, up more than $1 in March alone and 27% higher year-on-year, according to AAA.Best-case scenario: Oil collapse if conflict easesIn the more optimistic scenario, the war would end, Iran would reintegrate into global markets, and the Strait of Hormuz — a critical oil transit route — would reopen. This could release significant oil supply into global markets.Using estimates from the US Energy Information Administration, where every $1 change in oil prices translates to about 2.4 cents per gallon in fuel prices, a fall to $40 per barrel could push gasoline prices down to around $2.40 per gallon — levels last seen during the post-pandemic phase.The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil supply, has already caused what the International Energy Agency describes as the largest supply disruption in oil market history. Reopening it remains central to easing global price pressures.Fink suggested that if Iran becomes part of the global economic system again, combined with increased supply from countries like Venezuela, oil prices could fall even below pre-war levels.

Worst-case scenario: Prolonged high oil, inflation shock

In contrast, if the conflict continues and geopolitical tensions remain elevated, oil prices could stay above $100 and even move toward $150 per barrel.Fink warned that such a scenario would have wide-ranging consequences. “I would argue that we could have years… above $100, closer to $150 oil which has profound implications in the economy,” he said.At those levels, US gasoline prices could exceed $5 per gallon, significantly raising transportation and logistics costs. Higher diesel and energy prices would also feed into food inflation, given their role in supply chains and fertiliser production.He added that the divergence between the two scenarios is stark: “The $40 oil implication is one of abundance and growth and the other one is an outcome of probably a stark and steep recession”.

Market implications and investor outlook

The uncertainty around oil prices is also influencing financial markets. Rising yields and inflation expectations have already shifted expectations around interest rate cuts.In his annual letter to investors, Fink noted that market volatility often coincides with strong long-term returns. “Over time, staying invested has mattered far more than getting the timing right… Miss just the ten best days, and you would have earned less than half,” he wrote.As the conflict continues, the trajectory of oil prices– and by extension inflation, growth and financial markets – will hinge on whether geopolitical tensions ease or deepen further.(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continues to deliver unforgettable moments, and one of the most jaw-dropping came during the clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

Nandre Burger stuns Sanju Samson with a dream delivery

In a moment that silenced the crowd, RR pacer Nandre Burger produced a stunning delivery to dismiss Sanju Samson for just six runs on his debut outing for CSK. What was expected to be a big occasion for Samson quickly turned into a nightmare, as Burger’s brilliance stole the spotlight.

Opening the batting in new colours, Samson looked cautious early on, perhaps still settling into the role. But in the second over, Burger charged in and delivered a ball that every fast bowler dreams of.

Clocked at 140.2 kmph, the delivery pitched on a good length and subtly moved away after pitching. Samson, looking to flick it toward the leg side, misread the line completely. The ball zipped past his bat and crashed into the off stump, sending the bails flying.

There was no reaction from Samson for a moment – just disbelief. His feet stayed planted, his bat nowhere near the ball. It was the kind of delivery that leaves even the best batters helpless, and Burger knew it immediately, celebrating what could already be one of the balls of the tournament.

CSK collapse after Samson’s early departure

Samson’s early departure wasn’t just another wicket – it marked the end of an incredible streak. Since 2020, the wicketkeeper-batter had scored a fifty or more in every IPL season opener, consistently setting the tone for his team year after year.

From a blazing 74 in 2020 to a century in 2021 and multiple fifties in the seasons that followed, Samson had built a reputation for starting strong. But IPL 2026 told a different story. His score of 6 (7) not only ended the streak but also highlighted how quickly fortunes can change in T20 cricket.

The context made the moment even more dramatic. Samson was facing his former franchise, RR, a team he had represented for over a decade and led as captain. Having moved to CSK in a high-profile trade involving Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, there was immense anticipation around his debut.

Instead, it was Burger who owned the narrative.

Also READ: RR vs CSK – Here’s why Dewald Brevis is not playing today’s match in IPL 2026

Samson’s wicket triggered a collapse at the top. CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad fell soon after, dismissed cheaply by Jofra Archer.

Here’s the video:

The pressure intensified when youngster Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for a golden duck – again by Burger.

Within the first three overs, CSK found themselves reeling at 19 for 3, completely on the back foot. Moving ahead, RR bowlers offered no relief as the Super Kings were bundled out for just 127 in 19.4 overs.

Also WATCH: Rinku Singh grabs attention with hilarious bat theft antics after MI vs KKR IPL 2026 clash

Air Canada on Monday said CEO Michael Rousseau will retire by the end of the third quarter, with the announcement coming against the backdrop of criticism over his handling of communications after a fatal accident, Reuters reported.The controversy stemmed from a condolence message issued following a collision involving an Air Canada Express aircraft and a fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, which killed both pilots and left dozens injured. The message, delivered largely in English, drew sharp reactions in bilingual Canada.Prime Minister Mark Carney said last week the episode reflected poor judgment by the airline’s top executive.The development has fast-tracked an already planned leadership transition, with the carrier confirming that the process to identify a successor is underway.Rousseau, 68, has been with Air Canada for nearly two decades and oversaw its recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, his tenure also saw criticism over operational issues, including a four-day strike by flight attendants last year that disrupted hundreds of flights.The latest backlash also revived earlier concerns around language use. In 2021, Rousseau had apologised after delivering a speech primarily in English in Montreal, despite the city being in French-speaking Quebec.Language remains a politically sensitive issue in Quebec, where concerns over English dominance have historically influenced regional politics, including support for the separatist Parti Quebecois.Air Canada, though a listed company, operates under the Official Languages Act, which mandates that it provide services in both English and French.The Quebec provincial legislature last week passed a non-binding motion urging Rousseau to step down, citing what lawmakers described as a lack of respect for the French language. Elections in the province are due later this year.The episode also comes at a time when airline chiefs globally are expected to directly address the public following fatal incidents. In January 2025, American Airlines CEO Robert Isom issued a video statement expressing “deep sorrow” after a midair collision involving one of its regional jets and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport killed 67 people.

Chennai Super Kings handed debuts to four players in their first IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals on Monday, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad confirming at the toss that Sanju Samson, Kartik Sharma, Matt Henry and Matt Short would feature in the playing XI.However, Samson and Short could not make an impact in their first outing for CSK. Samson was bowled by Nandre Burger while attempting a leg-side flick. The delivery, clocked at 140.2 kmph, moved away and hit the off stump as he departed for 6 off 7 balls.Short also fell early, with Sandeep Sharma having him caught at midwicket by Yashasvi Jaiswal.With wickets falling at the top, Kartik Sharma came in to bat at number six in the sixth over. Kartik Sharma too failed on his IPL debut as he was out Lbw by another IPL debutant, Brijesh Sharma. Kartik was dismissed for 18 runs off 15 balls.

Who is Kartik Sharma?

Kartik’s journey into the IPL has roots in his early years in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. His father, Manoj Kumar, had wanted to become a cricketer himself and pushed his son towards the sport. “He was five, holding a plastic bat in his hands, and his words were: ‘Sir, chakke maarne waala cricketer banna hai’ (I want to be known as a six-hitter),” Lokendra Singh Chahar, who has trained his son Deepak Chahar and nephew Rahul Chahar, had earlier told TimesofIndia.com.A wicketkeeper-batter known for hitting sixes, Kartik became the joint-most expensive uncapped Indian player at an IPL auction when CSK signed him for Rs 14.2 crore.He was the joint-highest six-hitter in the first phase of the 2025-26 Ranji season and the top six-hitter in the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also finished the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy season as the joint third-highest six-hitter. After being part of CSK’s wider squad in IPL 2025, he earned a place in the main squad for IPL 2026.In the match, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and chose to bowl first. Captain Riyan Parag said the decision was due to wet conditions after recent rain.At the time of writing, CSK were 74 for 7 in 11 overs.