TIR opens new business opportunities in China
ndreds of participants from across China gathered at a recent event on how TIR drives more efficient cross-border transport and supports a broader range of business needs.
Uncertainty keeps pump prices high and volatile for road transport sector
On 24 April 2026, Brent was trading above USD 105 a barrel despite the indefinite extension of the US–Iran ceasefire announced on 21 April. Diesel pump prices in the EU fell week on week, but stabilised over the last few days, marking a halt to the downward trend. Here is the latest overview for the road transport sector.
Fuel crisis: EU takes useful first steps, but plans must go further
IRU welcomes the targeted transport measures, calls for clearer contingency planning should supply conditions deteriorate, and expects broader financial support through a separate State aid framework.
Continuing North American trucking uncertainty on the table
The trucking industry in North America is grappling with several major challenges, including additional tariffs, stricter rules-of-origin requirements, and rising fuel prices. IRU recently brought together Mexican vehicle makers and US carriers to discuss what keeps them up at night.
EU transport ministers act on fuel crisis
EU transport ministers convened today in an informal video conference to assess the impact of developments in the Middle East on the transport sector, marking an important step towards a coordinated EU response to rising fuel costs and market volatility.
From innovation to implementation: IRU at BUS2BUS
BUS2BUS 2026 confirms its role as a key platform for industry and policy dialogue. IRU contributed to the discussions, bringing the EU policy perspective and its implications for operators’ day-to-day operations.
Ceasefire holds Brent below 100, pump prices still high but ease slightly
On 17 April 2026, Brent reached USD 98.83 a barrel, up 35% since 27 February, while the week-on-week move was flat at +0.6%. Although huge price gaps remain between countries, EU diesel averaged EUR 2.07 per litre, up 27% cumulatively since the start of the war, down from 33% last week. A similar slight easing of pump prices was also seen in Brazil, Türkiye and the US, but not China. Here is the latest overview for the road transport sector.
China launches first intermodal TIR shipment
An intermodal TIR operation from China to Uzbekistan marks a new step in the expansion of the global transit system and cross-border logistics innovation in China.
War, transport and supply chains: Navigating a volatile region in flux
The war in Iran is reshaping logistics. How are routes changing? How are companies adapting? What is the outlook for newly evolving routes? We tackled these pressing questions and much more during our webinar.
eCMR hits 40 with Albania’s accession
Albania has become the 40th country to join eCMR, the digital protocol to the United Nations CMR Convention.
UK government strengthens role of coaches in public transport
The UK seeks to better integrate coach services into local transport strategies and the wider mobility system, in line with advocacy by IRU member the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Boosting China–Central Asia connectivity
IRU highlighted how the global TIR system is bolstering China–Central Asia transport links at a regional workshop in Beijing.
War pump prices still way up
As of 10 April 2026, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, with only 5–7 vessels transiting daily versus over 100 pre-war. Brent crude reached USD 97.08 a barrel, down 11.5% from last week's peak of USD 119.24 but still 33% above the pre-war baseline. Here is the latest overview for the road transport sector.
EU Parliament transport committee backs digital vehicle registration reform
IRU welcomes the European Parliament transport committee’s strong backing of the revised EU vehicle registration rules. This is a major step towards simpler and more efficient procedures for operators.
Ever more uncertainty: European road freight dynamics 2024 to 2026 and beyond
IRU’s new Intelligence Briefing, along with the accompanying webinar, is now available for download. It provides a data-grounded view of where road freight is heading in a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
West Africa: Driving efficient, safe and sustainable road transport
IRU’s message at the EU business forum in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, was clear: impactful road transport reform requires strong cooperation among development partners, institutions and the private sector.
EU adopts updated package travel rules impacting coach operators
The revised Package Travel Directive updates the definition of package travel and clarifies travellers’ rights while introducing changes that will directly affect how coach services are organised, contracted and reimbursed within package tours.
Tajikistan deploys eTIR to advance digital transit operations
eTIR is gaining momentum in Central Asia, with cross-border operations planned for the coming months.
IRU 2026 Green Compact survey opens to road transport sector
Industry views on decarbonisation progress, challenges and opportunities are sought as IRU opens the 2026 edition of its annual Green Compact survey amid tumultuous fuel price and global energy market volatility.
Fuel crisis: IRU calls for urgent EU transport minister action
As the fuel market crisis intensifies across the EU, IRU has urged its transport ministers to take immediate and coordinated EU-level action to keep supply chains moving and protect people’s mobility.
eTIR implementation tops agenda of IRU Commission on Customs Affairs
IRU members came together for a virtual Commission on Customs Affairs (CAD) meeting last week. They assessed the latest cross-border developments – such as implementing eTIR, enhancing TIR’s competitiveness, and digitalising operations – amid continued pressure on logistics routes and supply chains.
War in Iran: IRU launches road transport information hub
To support the industry amid trade disruptions and rising fuel prices, IRU has launched a dedicated information hub with real-time alerts, fuel prices, border crossing maps, calls for government action, and more.
TIR keeps essential goods moving amid Middle East crisis
With conflict disrupting transport routes and commercial operations across the Middle East, the TIR transit system is once again keeping supply chains afloat, enabling the secure and efficient movement of essential goods.
Fuel market shock: IRU urges EU action to keep logistics moving
Surging diesel prices and tightening fuel supply are putting EU transport operators under immediate pressure and risk disrupting logistics chains. IRU is calling on the European Commission to urgently coordinate an EU-wide response to stabilise fuel markets and ensure the continued flow of goods.