Local & Spanish

Spain Urges Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Conflict and Energy Concerns

Madrid, 23 March 2026 – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the protection of all energy infrastructure in the Middle East, warning that continued disruption could trigger a long-term global energy crisis. Speaking on his X profile, Sánchez described the situation as a “global turning point”, emphasizing that the world should not bear the economic cost of the ongoing war.

Sánchez’s intervention comes amid rising tensions in the region. On the same day, US President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Tehran to reopen the Strait or face potential attacks on its power plants. In response, Iran threatened to completely close the Strait of Hormuz and target US economic interests in the Middle East if military action is taken. The Strait, a vital chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has remained effectively closed since the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, causing global economic ripple effects.

Spain Prepares for Economic Impact

Recognizing the immediate threat to households and businesses, the Spanish government has launched a €5 billion plan to mitigate the economic consequences of the conflict. Measures include energy cost support, housing initiatives, and the release of up to 11.5 million barrels from Spain’s strategic oil reserves over the next 90 days. Sánchez stressed that Spain is acting proactively to shield its citizens from disruptions in oil and gas supplies.

“The fallout from this conflict cannot be allowed to spread into a deeper global energy shock,” Sánchez said, warning that fuel prices, household costs, and broader economic stability across

Europe are directly at risk.

European Dimension

Spain’s position is shared by the European Council, which has endorsed efforts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and ensure freedom of navigation once conditions permit. The Council also reiterated calls for full respect for international law and the de-escalation of hostilities, framing the issue as a Europe-wide challenge rather than a regional Gulf crisis.

Sánchez’s message highlights the intersection of foreign policy and domestic economic security, urging immediate international action while implementing measures to protect Spain and its European partners from the wider consequences of continued disruption in the Strait.

Costa Blanca

Current Average Fuel Prices – Costa Blanca (March 2026)

Euro 95 Petrol: €1.65 – €1.78 per litre
Diesel: €1.70 – €1.85 per litre

Fuel prices in the Costa Blanca reflect recent national trends, with some variation between stations. Coastal areas and major brands (Repsol, BP) tend to charge toward the higher end, while supermarket and low-cost stations offer slightly cheaper rates. The ongoing disruption of oil supplies due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis has contributed to rising prices, directly impacting households and businesses across the region.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

First for the latest UK & Spanish news on the hour every hour!

BENIDORM WEATHER

Local & Spanish

Cool Playlist

Spain Urges Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Iran Conflict and Energy Concerns

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

First for the latest UK & Spanish news on the hour every hour!

Latest Music Video's

Spain's More Music Variety

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2026

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2025

A Shine Media Spain Radio Station : 2026