For your reference, please see below the highlights of this week’s report:
Europe & Mediterranean:
Russian strike damages Izmail port as Danube export pressure intensifies. Novorossiysk oil terminal resumes after drone-triggered shutdown. Drone shot down over Romania as Black Sea spillover risk increases. Black Sea civilian-shipping ceasefire effort fails to gain traction. Orsk refinery expected offline for up to six months after damage assessment. European Union plans major expansion of Russia sanctions listings. Record-low Danube forces shutdown of Romania’s only operating nuclear reactor. Rhine water hits record lows as freight shifts to land transport. Salamina wildfires trigger mass evacuation and coastal-response operations. Rotterdam port storage blast kills one and injures six. Türkiye cuts Russian Black Sea oil imports as disruption persists.
Middle East & Indian Ocean Region:
Commercial vessel struck while exiting Strait of Hormuz, crew casualty reported. Three United Arab Emirates-linked energy vessels attacked in Strait of Hormuz. Mocha port suspends commercial and maritime operations after Houthi attacks. Houthis claim new drone attack on Jazan refinery. United Arab Emirates reports Iranian missiles targeting maritime traffic and suspends trade. Joint Maritime Information Center keeps Strait of Hormuz at SEVERE. Yemen faces highest risk of major war since 2022 truce, United Nations warns. Competing United States–Iran claims leave Strait of Hormuz access unresolved. Strait of Hormuz traffic remains in single digits as shipowners avoid route. Saudi oil shipments remain absent despite higher Bab el-Mandeb traffic. Qatar LNG supply uncertainty persists as September deliveries remain unclear.
West Africa:
Plateau State attack kills at least 25 and raises reprisal risk in central Nigeria. Northern Mali separatists release 82 government soldiers.American missionary released after nine months in captivity in Niger. West African cocoa exporters face European Union traceability squeeze. Dangote refinery secures one billion United States dollar underwriting ahead of listing. International Monetary Fund mission signals progress toward new Senegal programme. Nigeria election campaign opens amid economic hardship and persistent insecurity. Guinea launches state-backed gold exploration joint venture.
North Africa:
Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces renew assault on Al Obeid. Maersk reports gradual return of traffic through Suez Canal and Red Sea. Saudi crude increasingly moves through Egypt’s Suez-linked energy corridor. Morocco tightens Ceuta border controls as new crossing attempts continue. Sudan’s healthcare capacity deteriorates amid continuing conflict. Cairo mediation fails to secure breakthrough on Gaza peace roadmap.
Libya:
Eastern Libya–Crete crossings trigger multiple rescues and merchant-ship assistance. Zawiya security agreement strengthens protection of coastal road and critical infrastructure. Haftar-linked authorities play key role in release of American hostage. Libya seeks up to USD 40 billion to expand oil and gas production. Fuel tanker arrivals support supply continuity in Benghazi and Tripoli. Malta to reopen commercial office in Libya after 12-year hiatus. Libya and Türkiye sign labour and employment cooperation memorandum.
Asia:
Indonesia earthquake toll rises to 68 as aftershocks disrupt eastern provinces. United States–South Korea drills shortened after Trump order as North Korea denounces exercise. Taiwan plans record 2027 defence spending amid sustained Chinese pressure. Philippines says joint China energy exploration is a “distinct possibility”. Russia and Myanmar discuss offshore energy development and LNG supplies. Taiwan concludes blockade-response drills as China keeps forces on high alert. China faces renewed landslide and flood disruption as extreme weather persists. Port Hedland wage talks fail as labour-disruption risk remains active. Australia reaffirms nuclear-submarine partnership with United States and United Kingdom. Russia escalates Kuril dispute with formal protest to Japan. Myanmar verifies nearly 309,000 Rohingya for eventual repatriation.
Latin America:
12 Aug 2026 – Colombia | United States and Colombia consider joint strikes against armed groups. 14 Aug 2026 – Brazil | Government opens reciprocity process against United States tariffs. 18 Aug 2026 – Guyana | Government share of offshore crude production rises to nearly 40 percent. 14 Aug 2026 – Venezuela | International consortium secures licence for major offshore Loran gas development.
