Middle East Shock to Oil Markets: Fresh US-Iran strikes and renewed Hormuz closure fears pushed oil up sharply, with Strait traffic hitting a five-week low and traders pricing in shipment disruption risk. OPEC Outlook: OPEC cut its 2026 global oil demand growth forecast again to about 780,000 bpd, citing softer consumption expectations amid the conflict. Germany Energy Security: Germany confirmed plans for a strategic gas reserve equal to 10% of storage capacity, to be filled in 2027-28 and funded via consumer levies, with costs and household bill impacts outlined. Grid Cost Pressure from AI/Data Centers: Virginia became the first US state to tax data centers directly on electricity use, reflecting rising political pushback as AI demand strains power bills. Power Tariff Backlash in Asia: Consumer groups in the Philippines criticized electricity rate hikes by Meralco and ORMECO, linking increases to subsidy changes. Renewables for Public Services: Malaysia expanded solar for government-aided schools under NEM 3.0, using a zero-capex model with savings and export of excess power. South Africa Fuel Security: South Africa proposed mandatory strategic petroleum stocks to build emergency reserves after refinery closures. Heatwave Demand Management: A New York mayor urged residents to set AC to 78°F to protect grid reliability during peak heat. Distributed Storage Deal: Lineage Power partnered with Bondada Renewable to supply future BESS projects in India. Energy Supply Dependence (Ireland): Ireland’s imports met 78.2% of energy needs in 2025, with fossil fuels still dominating despite renewable gains. Safety and Disruption: India reported nine deaths after a waste landslide at a waste-to-energy plant, with operations paused pending checks.