Middle East Energy Shock: Oil prices stayed volatile around $100 as Red Sea and Hormuz risks kept supply fears alive, with Brent briefly easing after reports of possible US-Iran talk paths but traders still bracing for further strikes. Sanctions & Supply Chains: The US imposed fresh sanctions on Cuban energy and related firms, aiming to cut Cuba’s access to foreign currency and disrupt oil-sector operations. Philippines Power Costs: A Senate hearing in Manila urged a review of EPIRA after the Philippines was flagged as having the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia, arguing reforms and privatization haven’t delivered cheaper power. Philippines–Indonesia Coal Crunch: Manila sought emergency assurances from Jakarta as Indonesia’s coal export overhaul could disrupt supplies to a grid heavily reliant on Indonesian coal. India Biofuels Push: Honda launched India’s first flex-fuel scooter (E85-capable), while Mercedes-Benz began rolling out E25-compliant vehicles ahead of higher ethanol blending. Japan Critical Minerals: Japan identified medium and heavy rare earths in deep-sea mud samples, setting up a full-scale mining test next year to reduce dependence on China. Energy Tech & Industry: China issued a 2026-2030 plan to expand integrated transport services, including faster multimodal freight transfers and more new-energy heavy trucks.