The former president of the Turkish Bankers Association, Ali Deniz Eraydin, said on Tuesday that he had evidence that he presented to the Public Prosecution regarding a smuggling operation plan that included tampering with oil shipments coming from Libyan territory.
Iraydin claimed, according to what was reported by the Nordic Monitor website specializing in Turkish affairs, that the oil shipments that were supposed to originate from Turkmenistan and were loaded in Malta were part of a secret smuggling operation.
The Nordic Monitor website said that what Iraydin submitted to the Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Office in Istanbul highlights disturbing illegal activities.
The evidence, according to the site, includes records indicating the shipment of petroleum products from Malta to the Turkish port of Gebze Polyport. Upon examination, it became clear that there were contradictions in the information of the seller and buyer, the names of the loading ports, the origin of the product, and errors in the declaration documents and invoices, in addition to the absence of important documents related to the loading ports. .
Iraydin explained that the route of shipments through Malta before arriving at Turkish ports contradicts established commercial practices, assuming that the oil originates from Libyan territories under the control of Haftar, and perhaps in cooperation with the Wagner Group, according to the website.
The “Wardik Monitor” website indicated that the complaint submitted by “Iraydin” to the Public Prosecutor’s Office has not yet taken any legal action against the oil companies allegedly involved, in addition to an Azerbaijani businessman involved in the incident.
It is noteworthy that Bloomberg Agency published a lengthy investigation a few days ago entitled, “The Epic of the Queen Magda,” through which it monitored the phenomenon of Libyan oil smuggling.
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2024-05-04 07:42:15
https://www.worldysnews.com/a-turkish-businessman-presents-his-countrys-prosecution-with-evidence-of-a-plan-to-smuggle-libyan-oil-to-turkiye/
US Eases Electric Vehicle Battery Regulations, Expanding Tax Credit Opportunities for EV Owners
US Government Eases Electric Vehicle Tax Credit Rules
The U.S. government recently announced changes to the electric vehicle tax credit regulations, potentially expanding eligibility for credits of up to $7,500. However, critics have raised concerns about the Biden administration’s support for China in this regard.
Under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, automakers now have more flexibility in meeting the requirements for the tax credits, which range from $3,750 to $7,500 for new EVs, with an additional $4,000 credit for used ones. These incentives are designed to boost EV adoption and align with the goal of achieving 50% electric vehicle sales by 2030.
Qualifying for Tax Credits
To qualify for the tax credits, individuals must meet income criteria, adhere to pricing guidelines, and comply with regulations related to battery composition and mineral sourcing. EVs must be manufactured in North America to be eligible, with some plug-in hybrids also meeting the requirements.
Starting this year, new regulations are being implemented to promote the development of a domestic electric vehicle supply chain. These rules restrict EV buyers from claiming the full tax credit if their vehicles contain battery materials from countries deemed hostile to the U.S., such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
Industry Response and Criticisms
The National Mining Association criticized the exemptions granted under the new regulations, accusing the government of favoring China. The mining lobby's president and CEO emphasized the importance of securing supply chains and generating American jobs through EV incentives.
Senator Joe Manchin expressed concerns about the Biden administration's support for foreign adversaries in the EV supply chain, highlighting the need to prioritize domestic production and trade agreements. The regulations aim to increase the percentage of domestically sourced materials in EV batteries over the coming years.
Impact on EV Market
While the rule changes are expected to expand the number of EVs eligible for tax credits in the future, challenges remain in tracing the origin of battery minerals. The automotive industry acknowledges the need for a gradual transition to support investment, job creation, and consumer adoption of electric vehicles.
Despite the availability of tax credits, EV sales in the U.S. have seen modest growth, with only a limited number of models qualifying for the full $7,500 credit. The market share of electric vehicles has fluctuated, reflecting the industry's ongoing efforts to meet consumer demand and regulatory requirements.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the benefits of clean vehicle credits in promoting energy security, job creation, and consumer savings. The government's initiatives aim to drive the transition towards sustainable transportation while addressing supply chain challenges.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of electric vehicle tax credits reflects a broader shift towards sustainable transportation and domestic manufacturing. As the industry navigates regulatory changes and market dynamics, the focus remains on balancing economic incentives with environmental goals.
AP writer Daly reported from Washington.
US Eases Electric Vehicle Battery Regulations, Expanding Tax Credit Opportunities for EV Owners
The Rising Cost of Fruit: A Look at the Soaring Prices and Impact on Consumers
Fruit prices are up 38.7% compared to the same month last year
Pears rise 102.9%… The price of boats doubles in a year
Shipping watermelons, peaches, and grapes from May to June
“Continue to promote price stability”
“I was surprised that the price of watermelon has risen so much. 42,800 won? “When I saw the price, it actually made me shudder.”
On the 2nd, watermelon was being sold for 42,800 won in a supermarket in Seoul. Photo = Reporter Kim Kyung-ho
On the 2nd, around 6 pm, a person in his 40s who was wandering a fruit stall in a supermarket in Seoul said this while pointing to the price of a watermelon.
Mr. said Lee, “Everything went up except my salary. Ugh…. “It seems to have doubled since last year,” she said “I’m considering giving up fruit this year, including apples, pears and watermelon.” He lowered his head slightly and let out a deep sigh.
The situation in other supermarkets was not much different. Customers standing far from the stalls displaying a variety of colorful fruit were reluctant to enter the shop due to the high prices of the fruit. One customer looked like he was thinking about the apple as he played with it, but it didn’t lead to an actual purchase. Another customer asked the price if he wanted to buy strawberries instead of expensive pears, but when he was told, “Over 10,000 have been won,” he could not remove his card.
On the 2nd, watermelon was being sold for 42,800 won in a supermarket in Seoul. Photo = Reporter Kim Kyung-ho
Housewife Han (55), who was looking at the fruit next to her, also said she had no choice but to reduce the amount of fruit she was eating. Mr. said Han, “If you look at the news, all you see is high prices, no measures and no alternatives. “I reduced everything that could be reduced,” he said, frowning, “I believe we are now in an age where we only taste fruit.”
A large supermarket in Seoul on the afternoon of the 3rd. The supermarket landscape has also changed significantly. The atmosphere was such that people would go anywhere if they could buy something even a little cheaper. There were also people who would go anywhere if they could “buy it even a little cheaper.” Unlike before, when empty shopping carts were filled with items, the number of consumers who carefully looked at fruit prices with empty baskets under their arms seemed to have increased. A significant number of people used shopping carts instead of carts, and the number of users pulling carts was rare.
On this day, Mr. Kim (50s) from Yongsan-gu looked at a 500g box of jujube tomatoes for 9,800 won, looked around several times and put it in his shopping cart.
Mr Kim said, “My family tends to eat light fruits like apples and tomatoes every morning, but I’m afraid to go to the supermarket with the money in my hand.” He added, “Two items slightly more than a grown man’s fist cost 10,000 won, so add them to the shopping cart “I’m afraid,” he said.
A customer examines fruit in a large supermarket in Seoul on the afternoon of the 3rd. Photo = Reporter Kim Kyung-ho
Prices of agricultural products such as fruit are still high, increasing the burden on consumers. According to the ‘April Consumer Price Trends’ published by Statistics Korea on the 2nd, fresh fruit prices rose last month by 38.7% compared to the same month last year. Given that the main price index rose by 2.9%, the gap between the two indicators reached 35.8 percentage points (p). The gap between the general consumer price inflation rate and fresh fruit was just 0.4%p in June last year, but began to widen in August (10.9%p). It was in the 20%p range for 5 months from September last year to January this year, and from February it increased to 30%ca which lasted for 3 months.
In particular, apples and pears, whose supply has plummeted due to last year’s poor harvest, are seen as the main culprits. Because there is no import, the supply shock is not resolved. Last month, apple prices rose 80.8% compared to the same month last year, and pear prices rose 102.9%. This means that the price of pears has doubled in a year.
The prices of not only apples and pears, but also persimmons (56.0%) and tangerines (64.7%) have shown a double-digit increase for several months. Vegetable prices also continue to fluctuate. Last month, tomatoes rose 39.0%, and cabbage rose 32.1% before the shipment of spring cabbage. The cabbage price inflation rate was 48.8%, the highest increase in 1 year and 11 months.
The phenomenon of fruit prices pushing up general food prices also continues. Last month, the prices of food and non-alcoholic drinks rose by 5.9% compared to the same month last year. There is a 3% point difference from the overall inflation rate. In response to the ‘shock’ in fruit prices, the government invested 150 billion won in emergency agricultural and livestock product price stabilization funds in March. Delivery unit price support, discount support, etc.
A customer examines fruit in a large supermarket in Seoul on the afternoon of the 3rd. Photo = Reporter Kim Kyung-ho
The government believes that the prices of agricultural products, livestock and fisheries are gradually stabilizing as weather conditions and supply and demand gradually improve along with the injection of funds. Last month, fresh fruit prices rose 38.7% compared to the same month last year, but fell 3.0% compared to the previous month. The inflation rate for agricultural products was 20.3% compared to the same month last year, but -3.9% compared to the previous month. The government pays attention to seasonal fruits. It starts with melons in April, and this month’s watermelons, peaches and grapes start coming out in June.
An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said, “April to June is the time when the consumption share of apples and pears decreases,” adding, “May’s annual consumption share is around 6.7% for apples and 4% for pears.”
Text and photo = Reporter Kim Kyung-ho [email protected]
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
#bucket #watermelon #costs #won.. #Fruit #prices #alarming #김기자의 #현장
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The Rising Cost of Fruit: A Look at the Soaring Prices and Impact on Consumers