Middle East Oil Shock: Renewed US-Iran strikes and Hormuz shipping fears pushed Brent and WTI higher, with vessel traffic through the Strait reportedly at a five-week low, keeping energy-price volatility front and center. OPEC Demand Cut: OPEC lowered its 2026 global oil demand growth forecast again to 780,000 bpd, citing softer consumption expectations amid geopolitical disruption. Energy Security Reserves: South Africa proposed mandatory strategic petroleum stocks (60 days for government, 21 for industry) as refineries close and import dependence rises. Gas Supply Moves: Russia’s pipeline gas exports to Uzbekistan are projected to top 10 bcm in 2026 as Uzbekistan’s domestic output declines. Clean Power Exports: Morocco and European partners advanced plans for green hydrogen and renewable electricity export corridors, but regulatory and infrastructure hurdles remain. Germany Gas Buffer: Germany confirmed a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, funded via consumer levies. Renewables in Practice: Malaysia’s Net Energy Metering 3.0 pilot is helping government-aided schools install solar with “zero CAPEX,” while Cambodia and France outlined new clean energy and waste-to-energy projects. Grid & Market Reality: Ireland’s energy supply remains import-heavy (78.2% in 2025), with fossil fuels still dominating despite renewable gains. Safety Warning: A waste-to-energy plant accident in India killed nine workers after heavy rains destabilized a landfill.