Two Singapore-Listed Palm Oil Firms Reportedly Linked to Haze-Causing Fires; Indonesia Accepts Foreign Assistance; Ukraine Hits Russian Refinery

Headline news for October 16, 2026: Singapore is investigating which companies may be responsible for fires causing the haze, and will explore joint action with other countries. A report highlighted two Singapore-listed palm oil companies that have been linked to Indonesian plantation areas where fires were detected. Indonesia has accepted foreign assistance to fight forest fires, with arrangements now being discussed at the technical level. And Ukraine struck a Russian oil refinery overnight, after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy abandoned an energy-site ceasefire proposed by the US.

Synopsis: A round up of global headlines to start your day by The Business Times. 

Written by: Nicole Teo (nicolet@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Claressa Monteiro or Nicole Teo

Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

Produced with AI text-to-speech capabilities

---

Follow Lens On Daily and rate us on:

Channel: bt.sg/btlenson

Amazon: bt.sg/lensam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap

Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt

Website: bt.sg/lenson

Feedback to: btpodcasts@sph.com.sg

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Mark To Market at: bt.sg/btmark2mkt 

WealthBT at: bt.sg/btpropertybt

PropertyBT at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.