Energy:
1. New Zealand issues offshore oil and gas exploration permits.
2. Australia may see its first new refinery in 60 years.
3. Indonesia begins importing Russian oil to strengthen energy security.
4. Qatar Energy purchases 33 shipments of US LNG to ensure supplies for Asian customers.
5. Kenya orders Africa's largest soda ash producer to halt production due to regulatory issues.
6. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) sells crude oil at a premium to Asian refineries in its seventh round of tenders.
7. Italian oil company Eni: Refineries will operate at maximum capacity in the third quarter.
8. Sources: In the Indian market, the discount of Russian Urals crude oil to Brent crude oil has fallen to $1-2 per barrel.
9. Two sources say Russia is preparing to extend its diesel export ban until August, but may lift the ban earlier if domestic supply improves.
10. US Energy Information Administration (EIA): Refinery utilization rates in the US Midwest have surged to record highs. EIA strategic petroleum reserves are at their lowest level since the week of March 4, 1983.
Agriculture/Mining:
1. The UK Environment Agency declared half of England to be in drought condition.
Iran Situation:
1. Reports indicate that the Houthi rebels denied plans to impose transit fees in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
2. Iran demands that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz must transit through Iranian waters.
3. The US launched airstrikes against Iran in response to Iran's attempted attack on US forces in the Middle East the previous day.
