Czech news in brief for April 4: Saturday’s top afternoon headlines

A potential disruption in Middle Eastern oil flows, including risks to the Strait of Hormuz, could trigger a global jet fuel shortage affecting Europe by April or May. The International Energy Agency warned airlines may face supply gaps of up to 20 percent this summer if the conflict escalates. Prices have already surged, while experts say US exports cannot replace lost volumes, despite claims by Donald Trump.

The number of ransomware attacks on Czech companies doubled year-on-year in the first quarter, with 12 victims recorded, up from six last year, according to Eset. Small and medium-sized firms are most affected due to weaker cybersecurity and higher vulnerability to disruption. Attackers increasingly use advanced tools and double extortion tactics, threatening both data loss and public leaks to pressure companies into paying multimillion-crown ransoms.

From May, Czech MPs will be able to allocate more money to parliamentary assistants, with the monthly allowance rising from CZK 55,000 to CZK 60,000. The change was approved by the budget committee of the Chamber of Deputies, which oversees lawmakers’ expenses. The committee also approved an increase in the chamber’s overall budget for staff costs.

A mental health support feature in the Záchranka emergency app has been used by more than 5,400 people in Prague within its first year. The tool connects users with nearby crisis centers, therapists, and helplines based on location and availability. Officials say it helps reduce pressure on emergency services, which handled over 6,000 mental health cases last year, reflecting a steady rise in demand.

A dispute between two men in central Prague escalated into a stabbing early Saturday morning on Korunní Street. Police said the incident was reported around 4:30 a.m., with both individuals sustaining injuries treated at the scene. The men, identified as foreigners, were involved in a physical altercation after an argument. Detectives are investigating the circumstances and determining potential criminal charges.