Czech news in brief for April 16: Thursday's top morning headlines

The Czech Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday again approved a bill establishing March 30 as Czech Flag Day, overriding Senate changes. The proposal by Prime Minister Andrej Babiš now heads to President Petr Pavel for signing. Lawmakers rejected a Senate suggestion to rename St. Wenceslas Day. Support came from ANO, SPD, Motorists and some Civic Democrats. The country currently recognizes 19 significant days, which are observed without making them public holidays.

The Czech government will lower maximum fuel prices starting Thursday, with diesel capped at CZK 43.50 per liter and gasoline at CZK 41.59, the Finance Ministry said. The reductions mark the lowest levels since price caps began. The policy, introduced amid rising costs linked to Middle East tensions, has drawn criticism from opposition and industry groups, who warn it could distort the market and cause shortages. The caps are set to remain through April.

Train services between Prague-Holešovice and Roztoky u Prahy were suspended Thursday morning after a train struck a person, rail officials said. The disruption also affected long-distance routes toward Ústí nad Labem. Czech Railways arranged replacement bus service between Roztoky and Praha-Podbaba, but warned trains would not wait for buses. Service interruptions were expected to last until about 8:30 a.m. Authorities did not immediately release further details about the incident.

Azerbaijan became the Czech Republic’s largest oil supplier last year, accounting for more than 42 percent of imports, replacing Russia, whose share fell to 7.7 percent government data showed. Total imports rose 5.5 percent to 6.85 million tons. Supplies shifted after the Druzhba pipeline halted and capacity expanded on the TAL route via Germany. Norway and Kazakhstan also increased deliveries. The Czech Republic now relies primarily on non-Russian sources amid broader energy diversification.

Astronauts on NASA’s Artemis II mission wore merino wool underwear made by Czech company Lasting during their early April flight around the Moon, a company co-owner said. The garments, selected by NASA in 2020 after years of testing, are made from ultra-fine fibers designed for comfort, insulation and breathability. The Sokolov-based firm said the crew wore standard products during the 1.12 million-kilometer mission, marking a milestone for the family-run manufacturer.