Rates rise in split decision; ACCC warns patrol stations; Australia-EU free trade deal

Wednesday 18 March 2026

The Reserve Bank has lifted interest rates, but it was a close call, and another rate hike in May is no longer a sure thing. 

• The competition regulator warns petrol stations over the price of fuel
• Australia heads towards a free trade deal with the EU
• The beneficial effects of medicinal cannabis questioned in a new study
• The extraordinary efforts Asian countries are going to, to conserve fuel

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