Middle East Energy Shock: Houthi gains along Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the capture of Mayun/Perim are raising the risk premium for oil shipments to Asia, while Saudi Arabia shut a major East-West pipeline “as a precaution” after attacks, keeping Brent above $104. Oil Market Outlook: Energy Aspects’ Amrita Sen says the market is at an “inflection point” as Hormuz and Red Sea disruptions squeeze supply to Asian refiners, with China returning to higher crude buying and inventories drawing down. IEA Demand Cut: The IEA further trimmed its 2026 oil demand forecast, warning diesel costs are surging due to Gulf refining constraints and renewed Bab el-Mandeb disruption. Asia Gas Security: Bangladesh used the Tokyo LNG conference to stress reliability, diversification and affordability as domestic gas falls short and imports rise. India-Russia Energy Talks at BRICS: Putin arrived in New Delhi ahead of BRICS, with Modi-Putin meetings expected to cover trade and energy security, including maritime safety for Indian seafarers. BRICS Diplomacy: India and China are working to arrange a Modi-Xi meeting on BRICS sidelines, signaling continued top-level engagement despite border mistrust. Trade Policy: The US finalized steep anti-dumping and countervailing duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos, targeting alleged dumping and subsidies. Grid Pressure in the Region: Alberta is weighing extraordinary steps to expand gas supply for AI-driven power demand, as pipeline constraints could limit new gas-fired generation.