A round-up of today's other stories in brief

AIB first to pass on ECB rate increase

AIB has become the first mortgage lender to increase its standard variable interest rate following the European Central Bank's decision to increase its base rate earlier this month.

The bank has passed on the full quarter percentage point increase in interest rates to its standard variable rate customers, taking its rate to 3.75 per cent. Buy to let and tracker mortgage rates have also gone up by a quarter of a percentage point, as have overdraft and personal loan rates.

AIB also passed on the rate increase to savers, with the SSIA deposit rate up to 2.5 per cent and its online personal savings plan rate up to 3.5 per cent.

London exchange to discuss US bid

London Stock Exchange shareholders have agreed to meet Nasdaq to discuss the New York-based exchange's $4.2 billion (€3.51 billion) offer for the UK bourse.

The news came yesterday as the New York Stock Exchange, widely seen as a potential counter-bidder, came under pressure from one of its largest shareholders to stay out of the situation. - (FT service)

More oil at Tullow well in Uganda

Tullow Oil said yesterday that, in addition to a light oil found at a depth of about 1,700m, further drilling on its Waraga-1 exploration well in Uganda had found evidence of oil at a lower level. The well, in which Tullow is a 50 per cent partner along with Hardman Resources, will now be cased and suspended ready for future testing.

UK gas prices rise to record high

Natural-gas prices in the UK have jumped to record levels because of supply shortages caused by freezing weather.

High gas prices in the UK influence prices in Ireland too, as a large amount of the Republic's supplies are sourced on the UK market.

Airlines raise fares to offset fuel costs

Low cost carrier Southwest Airlines has raised its air fares by up to $10 (€8.39) for a one-way ticket, seeking to offset $600 million in estimated additional fuel costs this year.

Other airlines, including Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, US Air, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines followed Southwest's fare hike. - (Reuters)

Further results for African Diamonds

African Diamonds has announced further results from the AK6 diamond discovery. Chairman John Teeling said the grade and size distribution continued to improve.