U.S. EIA natural gas storage for the week ending October 2 was 85 billion cubic feet, compared to an expected 79 billion cubic feet and a previous reading of 64 billion cubic feet.

1. Brazil's National Grain Exporters Association (Anec) weekly forecasts indicate that Brazil's soybean exports in October are expected to reach 6.18 million tons, compared to 6.4 million tons in the same period last year. Soybean meal exports in October are expected to reach 2.09 million tons, compared to 1.73 million tons in the same period last year. Corn exports in October are expected to reach 5.34 million tons, compared to 5.69 million tons in the same period last year. 2. Renowned industry analyst Thomas Mielke stated on Wednesday that global palm oil production is expected to decline by 2 million tons next year, and the decline could be even greater due to hotter and drier weather brought about by the El Niño pattern. 3. According to data analytics firm Kpler, Venezuelan crude oil shipments to India this month are expected to more than double, reaching approximately 465,000 barrels per day (compared to 196,000 barrels per day in September). If all scheduled shipments arrive on time, this will be the highest level since December 2019. 4. Data released by the Petroleum Institute of Japan (PAJ) on Wednesday showed that Japanese commercial crude oil inventories stood at 10.6745 million kiloliters for the week ending October 3, a decrease of 206,499 kiloliters from the previous week's 10.881 million kiloliters. Refinery operational capacity (BPSD) utilization was 84.2%, compared to 86.5% the previous week. 5. Analyst Eamonn Sheridan stated that US forecasting agencies predict the storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico is poised to become the first Atlantic hurricane of 2026 within two days and could potentially impact oil and gas facilities. Offshore production areas along the storm's path account for 15% of US crude oil production and 5% of natural gas production. Six more refineries may be affected. 6. According to foreign media reports, on Wednesday, October 7, after government mediation failed to reach an agreement, two unions at Chile's Centinela copper mine rejected further contract negotiations with Antofagasta Mining Company and are on the verge of a strike. This decision brings the labor dispute to a critical juncture after the government-mediated negotiations ended. The strike will begin at 8:00 local time (19:00 Beijing time).

According to a Reuters poll, 64 out of 73 economists expect the European Central Bank to raise its deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% in December (compared to 58 out of 64 economists expecting 2.50% in the September poll).