Budget news — September 18, 2026

6 publications

1. WorldCivil RightsThink TanksMiddle EastBudget

   Sep 18, 2026, 17:56 UTC

   

   Government to Review and Reduce Civil Service Staff

   Prime Minister Sergei Koretsky announced a review of the civil service structure. The government will analyze the number of employees in state bodies, including central executive authorities, to identify duplication of functions, unnecessary processes, and optimize the system. This includes reviewing the number of deputy ministers and deputy heads of central executive authorities. The government aims to strengthen digitalization in state management and change approaches to the professional training of civil servants. Responsibility for implementing these measures has been assigned to relevant ministries and central executive authorities.

   6 sourcesSee all sources
2. BusinessBudgetTradeEarnings

   Sep 18, 2026, 16:09 UTC

   

   South Korea Extends Fuel Tax Cuts Until November

   South Korea's Ministry of Finance and Economy has decided to extend the fuel tax reduction program until the end of November. Initially scheduled to end this month, the extension aims to ease the burden on citizens amidst volatile international oil prices and Middle East tensions. The tax reduction rates remain at 15% for gasoline and 25% for diesel and butane gas.

   5 sourcesSee all sources
3. WorldRegulatorsMiddle EastBudget

   Sep 18, 2026, 14:23 UTC

   

   Bentley Driver Involved in Fatal Moscow Accident Had 146 Fines

   A Bentley driven by a 27-year-old woman, identified as Christina B., was involved in a fatal accident in central Moscow, resulting in the death of a 43-year-old motorcyclist. The Bentley had 146 fines totaling around 300,000 rubles, including multiple offenses for speeding, disobeying traffic signs, and parking violations. Christina had previously been involved in other accidents and had her license revoked, but continued to drive the vehicle.

   9 sourcesSee all sources
4. WorldBillMiddle EastBudget

   Sep 18, 2026, 05:40 UTC

   

   China Cuts US Treasury Holdings to 16-Year Low

   China has significantly reduced its holdings of US Treasury securities, reaching an 18-year low. The gradual sell-off, which began in 2013, has accelerated recently, with holdings falling from $1.3 trillion to around $700 billion. This move comes amidst geopolitical tensions and fears of reserve seizures, with China also increasing its gold reserves. The reduction in demand for Treasuries could push yields higher and tighten global financial conditions.

   22 sourcesSee all sources
5. BusinessBillNorth AmericaBudget

   Sep 18, 2026, 04:52 UTC

   

   Austria's Inflation Rate Hits 3.2% Due to Rising Energy Prices

   Austria's inflation rate climbed to 3.2% in August, up from 2.8% in July, driven primarily by a 26.3% year-on-year increase in fuel prices. This rise was largely due to higher fuel and heating oil prices, with the transport sector being the main driver of inflation. Despite recent record highs in diesel, heating oil, and gasoline, these have not yet been fully reflected in the August figures. The service sector also contributed significantly to the inflation rate, while a reduction in VAT on staple foods had an inflation-reducing effect, making food cheaper than last year.

   5 sourcesSee all sources
6. PoliticsBudgetLogisticsMarkets

   Sep 18, 2026, 00:24 UTC

   Bank of England Halts Bond Sales, Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged

   The Bank of England has temporarily halted the sale of UK government bonds for six months to slow down its quantitative tightening pace. The central bank kept its key interest rate unchanged at 3.75%. However, it warned that if the conflict in the Middle East continues, it may be forced to raise interest rates. The Bank of England also announced a new long-term plan to gradually reduce its holdings of UK government bonds over the next eight years.

   3 sourcesSee all sources