Geopolitics & Oil Markets: Iran’s Strait of Hormuz closure threat and wider US-Iran tensions are again rattling crude and gas flows, with analysts warning the shock could spill into logistics and broader commodity costs. Inflation Watch: In the US, energy prices helped push May CPI to 4.2%—the highest since 2023—underscoring how oil moves quickly into household budgets. Crude Slide: Brent and WTI both fell to multi-month lows as markets priced in possible diplomacy, while Goldman cut its 2027 Brent view to $80. Energy Infrastructure Under Fire: Ukraine-linked strikes hit Russian oil and gas facilities in Volgograd and Krasnodar, raising the risk premium for refining and pipeline operations. Power Reliability: Storms left thousands without electricity in multiple places, while Cape Town scheduled major grid maintenance affecting Deep South suburbs. Renewables & Policy: Nepal says its energy sector is entering a “decisive” transformation phase with transmission and private trading plans; Rajasthan approved PM-KUSUM solar support for nearly 600 MW. Grid & Storage Buildout: AESC and Prevalon signed a 10+ GWh battery supply deal as utilities and data centers push for more grid-stabilizing storage. Local Solar Planning: A Bellville solar farm project faces calls for better in-person consultation after community backlash.