Brent crude briefly neared $110 a barrel last week as governments expanded measures to shield consumers from higher energy costs. The number of countries using direct fuel subsidies has more than doubled in four months, from 16 to 38, while the total rises to 94 when energy-tax reductions and cash transfers are included. The International Energy Agency said countries cutting energy taxes increased from 40 to 57. Governments are simultaneously facing higher subsidy bills and rising debt-servicing costs as sovereign financing conditions tighten and U.S. borrowing costs reach their highest level since 2007. Europe is extending support despite record-low natural-gas inventories, while emerging markets are balancing consumer relief against fiscal losses and foreign-exchange pressures. Bangladesh raised fuel prices by as much as 17.4% after its state oil company accumulated 228.76 billion taka in losses from March to August. Brazil approved additional diesel subsidies, Indonesia pledged to maintain support, and Bolivia eliminated diesel subsidies under an IMF-backed program while retaining targeted assistance. Policymakers are under growing pressure to keep support temporary and targeted, but political resistance is making withdrawal difficult.