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Jack Dorsey's payment company Block, with a market value of $50 billions, will automatically enable bitcoin lightning payment functionality for millions of merchants. It is expected that 4 million merchants will accept bitcoin by default for daily transactions. (The Bitcoin Historian)

Middle East Abu Dhabi Murban crude oil futures rose by 3.09%, quoted at $110.02 per barrel. NYMEX April natural gas futures settled at $3.0330 per million British thermal units. NYMEX April gasoline futures settled at $3.1234 per gallon, and NYMEX March heating oil futures settled at $4.0158 per gallon.

Golden Ten Data reported on March 18 that Germany has taken action to limit the frequency of price adjustments at gas stations and strengthen antitrust supervision in response to strong consumer resistance caused by price increases triggered by war. According to a document from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, gas station operators are only allowed to adjust gasoline and diesel prices once at noon each day, while price reductions can be made at any time. Violators will face fines of up to 100,000 euros (approximately $115,400). The ruling coalition will also strengthen antitrust enforcement by shifting the burden of proof from regulatory agencies to fuel suppliers operating in Germany. Companies will be required to prove their compliance with the rules, rather than authorities having to prove market abuse. These measures are Chancellor Merz's response to the oil price surge caused by the Iran war. This month, fuel prices in Germany have risen to more than 2 euros per liter (approximately $2.3079), prompting calls from lobbying groups, politicians, and voters for state intervention.