Russia's Finance Ministry said the government's budget revenue from oil and gas sales was 452.4 bln rubles in September, up from 424.0 bln in August.

Bloomberg and Kpler ship-tracking data show LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz have continued to recover since September; at least three cargoes transited the strait since last weekend. September volumes were the highest since the Iran conflict erupted in late February, but remain more than 75% below pre-conflict levels. Producer countries are working to restore exports to customers facing tight supplies; markets are watching flows for signs of relief after last month’s shortages pushed European and Asian gas prices to their highest since end-2022. A sustained recovery could ease price pressure ahead of northern-hemisphere winter heating demand, but transit risks remain elevated after a string of incidents—UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a tanker struck by an unknown object in the Strait of Hormuz on Oct. 4.

Head of Germany’s foreign intelligence service warns confrontation with Russia has reached a new, more dangerous level and that Germany faces a risk of violent conflict with Russia.