Biofuels Push: Japan plans to co-invest with private firms in overseas biomass fuel projects to cut fossil dependence at home. Hydrogen From Gas: Mitsubishi Heavy will test making hydrogen from natural gas without CO2 release, aiming to sell the tech alongside its gas turbines. Oil Shock Risk: Brent surged back above $100 as US-Iran tensions and attacks around the Strait of Hormuz stoked supply fears, rattling markets and inflation expectations across the region. China Demand Outlook: Sinopec research flags China’s oil demand falling 8.9% in 2026, with gasoline and diesel leading the decline, while refining capacity may shrink by 2030. Gas Supply Stress: Southcentral Alaska faces a natural gas crunch this winter as Cook Inlet supply and “cheap gas” availability lag demand. Gas Pricing Standoff: Power of Siberia 2 talks reportedly hit another roadblock over China-Russia gas prices, with Beijing seeking far lower rates than Moscow’s preferred anchors. BRICS Energy Agenda: India’s BRICS summit in New Delhi spotlights food and energy resilience amid geopolitical shocks. Biofuel Policy: India is moving beyond E20 ethanol blending, linking higher blends to flex-fuel vehicles as crude prices near $100. Data Center Power Pressure: Thailand suspended many data center projects after concerns about power use and local impacts, signaling tighter oversight ahead. Shipping Route Shift: A China-to-Europe container voyage via the Arctic North Sea Route arrived in the UK, highlighting efforts to bypass Red Sea disruption.