🌍 US and allies tap oil stockpiles

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Here’s what you need to know

The International Energy Agency is turning on the oil spigots. The US and its allies will release 60 million barrels, but OPEC+ said it will stay the course, as prices hit a seven-year high. Meanwhile, Russia is having a hard time selling its oil and shipping goods.

Russia stepped up assaults on civilians. Five were reported dead after an attack on a TV tower in Kyiv, while an Indian student was among those killed in Kharkiv.

The UN is raising money for Ukraine. It’s asking for $1.7 billion, as the World Bank will reportedly fast track a $350 million loan and Ukraine raised $277 million from sales of war bonds.

Hong Kong’s morgues are filling up. The city’s public hospitals and crematoriums can’t keep up with surging covid-19 deaths. Separately, Hong Kong will start bringing in care workers from mainland China.

Toshiba’s CEO quit. Satoshi Tsunakawa’s sudden departure comes amid reports that shareholders and some at the conglomerate aren’t happy about the company’s break-up plan.

What to watch for

Earnings for Kroger and Costco will be out tomorrow. All eyes will be on how the US-based supermarket giants are handling prices, as inflation soars to its highest point in four decades.

Globally, food prices are up to levels not seen since 2011, driven by extreme weather and pandemic-related supply chain snags. The Ukraine-Russia crisis threatens to spike food commodity prices, as both countries are big agricultural exporters.

Expect to see pantry staples from bread to pasta become more expensive, which would have a particularly dire effect on less affluent countries who can’t afford to pay higher prices. As of March 1:

🌾 Wheat futures prices have jumped to $9.35 per bushel—the highest since February 2008. Prices are up 21% since the start of the year.

🌽 Corn prices are at $7.26 per bushel, up 17%.

🌱 Soybean oil is trading at 70 cents per pound, up 28%.

Russia’s exports, charted

Food products such as wheat and barley make up most of Russia’s exports in cereals. Russia accounts for almost 30% of the world’s exports in those grains. Turkey and Egypt are the biggest buyers.

Grains pale in comparison to Russia’s largest export: fuels and oil. Other stand-out exports are gems, precious metals, iron, and steel, and a curious category of “unspecified commodities.”

Quartz reporter Clarisa Diaz charted all of Russia’s most important exports and looked at which countries would feel the greatest pinch if their supplies were disrupted.

Pop quiz: Fish sticks

One food that got an unexpected boost from the pandemic is the unassuming, but always versatile, fish stick. There’s reason to believe the frozen fare can help solve some of our overfishing problems, too.

Which of these fish sticks facts is correct?

A. The prototype of the fish stick was the fish brick.

B. Benito Mussolini almost bankrupted a fish stick maker.

C. Fish sticks are served on the game show Cash Cab.

D. It doesn’t really matter what fish the sticks are made with.

Find out which is true (hint: it’s more than one) by listening to the newest episode of the Quartz Obsession podcast.

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🤑 Russia’s billionaires are the best conduit to apply pressure on Putin

🚫 Hindu nationalists block a Turkish executive’s appointment as head of Air India

Surprising discoveries

California may start naming heat waves. It could be a way to make residents take the extreme weather seriously.

Ukrainians are messing with highway signs to confuse Russian troops. And the Ukrainian government is telling them how to do it.

Be sure to pay your taxes in the metaverse. Second Life said it will start charging state and local sales taxes.

A satellite image of the Canadian coast looks like a cat in repose. The Canadian Space Agency isn’t so sure, but it appreciates the internet’s jokes.

Researchers found the origins of a 30,000-year-old figurine. The crafters of the so-called Venus of Willendorf traveled hundreds of miles with their talisman.

Our best wishes for a productive day. Send any news, comments, metaverse tax payments, and landscapes that look like cats to hi@qz.com. Get the most out of Quartz by downloading our iOS app and becoming a member. Today’s Daily Brief was brought to you by Michelle Cheng, Clarisa Diaz, Morgan Haefner, and Liz Webber.