Energy:
1. Iraq says it has no intention of withdrawing from OPEC.
2. Serbia will release 5,000 tons of its national diesel reserves.
3. Indian Oil Minister: There are no plans to cut refined petroleum product exports.
4. Russia raises its 2026 oil export forecast to 244.7 million tons.
5. Russia's Arctic "Vostok" project begins exports, hoping to boost long-term production.
6. Goldman Sachs raises its December Brent crude oil price forecast to $85 per barrel.
7. European diesel prices are rising faster than in the US due to the risk of export bans.
8. Iraq has exported approximately 2.6 million barrels of oil per day through its southern ports so far in September.
9. Saudi Aramco says any disruptions can be repaired within days and it is studying new crude oil export routes.
10. Sources say Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline has increased crude oil transport, but tanker loading has not yet resumed.
11. Saudi crude oil is being diverted to the Hormuz; Oman's offshore oil swap operations are nearing their limit. 12. US defense officials: Approximately 60 merchant ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, the highest volume since early July.
13. Preliminary data shows that cargo ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to single digits.
14. Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Nigeria will build a $660 million refined oil pipeline.
15. The Novosakhtinsk refinery in Russia's Rostov region was damaged in a drone attack and has suspended operations.
Agriculture/Mining:
1. Ukrainian Grain Association: Polish customs have banned the storage of grain transiting through Ukraine.
2. South Africa plans to invest $2.7 billion to upgrade its manganese ore export system, build new ports, and repair railways.
3. International Copper Study: The global refined copper market supply deficit will reach 51,000 tons in July 2026.
4. World Steel Association: Global crude steel production decreased by 1.2% year-on-year in August; from January to August, global crude steel production decreased by 0.7% year-on-year. China's steel production in August 2026 decreased by 3.7% year-on-year.
5. Hong Kong SAR Government: Net gold exports to mainland China in August were 58.491 tons, compared to 56.193 tons in July; total gold exports to mainland China in August were 77.137 tons, compared to 75.457 tons in July.
Middle East Situation:
1. The US is handling the seized Iranian oil tanker; the cargo is being shipped to the US.
2. Iran: The conflict with the US may escalate further; the war could spread to the Indian Ocean.
3. The Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking Saudi Aramco facilities in Riyadh and Yanbu in response to Saudi airstrikes.
Other:
1. The Rhine River's water level in the Kaub section has dropped to a record low.
