Born in Argentina, Francis was the only Latin American pontiff and first non-European pope in more than 1,000 years.
Pope Francis walks past the alter in front of St Peter’s Basilica in St Peter’s Square after his inauguration Mass at the Vatican on March 19, 2013. [Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo]
Published On 21 Apr 202521 Apr 2025
The leader of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has died. He was 88 years old.
Born in Argentina, he was the first Latin American pope as well as the first non-European to serve for more than 1,000 years.
He was known for his simple words and humble manner that immediately won over the crowds.
The top 10 oil1 producers and share of total world oil production2 in 20233
Country
Million barrels per day
Share of world total
United States
21.91
22%
Saudi Arabia
11.13
11%
Russia
10.75
11%
Canada
5.76
6%
China
5.26
5%
Iraq
4.42
4%
Brazil
4.28
4%
United Arab Emirates
4.16
4%
Iran
3.99
4%
Kuwait
2.91
3%
Total top 10
74.59
73%
World total
101.81
1Oil includes crude oil, all other petroleum liquids, and biofuels. 2 Production includes domestic production of crude oil, all other petroleum liquids, and biofuels and refinery processing gain. 3 Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Statistics, Total oil (petroleum and other liquids) production, as of April 11, 2024
The top 10 oil1 consumers and share of total world oil consumption in 20222
Country
Million barrels per day
Share of world total
United States
20.01
20%
China
15.15
15%
India
5.05
5%
Russia
3.68
4%
Saudi Arabia
3.65
4%
Japan
3.38
3%
Brazil
3.03
3%
South Korea
2.55
3%
Canada
2.41
2%
Germany
2.18
2%
Total top 10
61.08
61%
World total
99.95
1Oil includes crude oil, all other petroleum liquids, and biofuels. 2 Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, International Energy Statistics, Total oil (petroleum and other liquids) consumption, as of April 11, 2024
MANILA, Feb 3 (Reuters) – The Philippines, among the world’s largest rice importers, declared on Monday a food security emergency to bring down the cost of rice, which it said has stayed elevated despite lower global prices and a reduction in rice tariffs last year.
The declaration, which was widely expected, will allow the government to release buffer stocks to help bring down retail prices of the national staple, Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel said in a statement, adding it would remain in effect until the price situation improves.
Despite efforts to liberalise rice imports and reduce tariffs, the agriculture department said, the domestic market has been slow to respond, with retail prices surpassing expectations.
Half of the 300,000 metric tons buffer stock the National Food Authority currently holds could be released over the next six months to ensure supply for emergencies and disaster response, it added.
The annual rate of increase in rice prices in the Philippines hit a 15-year high of 24.4% in March last year, but has since moderated to 0.8% in December, helping keep overall inflation for 2024 within the government’s 2% to 4% target.
Last year, the Philippines lowered tariffs on rice and extended existing tariff cuts on some other commodities to combat inflation and ensure ample supply
CVD 