Energy
1. US media: The US government seeks to "seize" two oil tankers linked to Iran.
2. Kazakhstan and Russia have both stated they will not consider withdrawing from OPEC+.
3. Hopes for easing tensions between the US and Iran are fading; oil prices hit wartime highs.
4. The OPEC Fund launches a $1.5 billion aid program to support countries affected by the war.
5. Russian Finance Minister: The UAE's withdrawal from OPEC will increase global oil production and lower oil prices.
6. French Energy Minister: France has 100 million barrels of reserves, and has currently released less than 2% of its strategic reserves.
7. The EU introduces temporary state aid measures until the end of this year to help companies cope with the impact of rising energy prices.
8. White House official: Trump discussed with oil companies plans to extend the blockade of Iran for several months if necessary.
9. Market sources indicate that Russia may increase seaborne crude oil exports in May as port capacity recovers and weather improves.
10. Greek Prime Minister's Office: The Greek Prime Minister and the Emir of Qatar reached an agreement to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, and defense.
11. EIA: US crude oil exports rose to a record high of over 6 million barrels per day in the latest week; net crude oil imports fell into negative territory, hitting a record low.
12. Malaysian government spokesperson: Oil and gas companies have confirmed sufficient energy supplies for May and June, but anticipate potential shortages of certain fuels later.
13. Data shows that as of the week ending April 27, oil inventories in Fujairah, UAE, fell to a new low of 6.982 million barrels, compared to 7.454 million barrels the previous week.
14. Asian Development Bank: Damage to energy infrastructure could prolong supply disruptions. Energy prices may remain above pre-Middle East conflict levels for an extended period.
15. Jarrod Argen, director of the US National Energy Leadership Council, will travel to Venezuela on Thursday to meet with oil, gas, and mining executives and Venezuelan officials.
Other news:
1. Indonesia set its May crude palm oil reference price at $1,049.58 per ton.
2. Ukraine formally requested Israel to arrest a vessel suspected of illegally transporting grain.
3. Japan confirmed that a Japanese-flagged supertanker had passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
4. US media: The US government is seeking to "confiscate" two oil tankers linked to Iran.
5. US media: The US has proposed forming a coalition to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
6. US media: Trump will be briefed on new plans for action against Iran on Thursday, including a strong strike and partial control of the Strait of Hormuz.
