Oil Shock Watch: Brent pushed back above $100 and even $103 as renewed US-Iran tensions and attacks near the Strait of Hormuz raised fears for tanker flows and tighter supplies, with analysts warning the rally could keep inflation pressure alive. Central Banking: The European Central Bank lifted rates to 2.5% to cool energy-driven inflation, citing the Middle East conflict as keeping prices above target longer. Market Spillover: Asia and Europe stocks slid as oil’s jump revived recession and rate-hike worries, while local markets like Sri Lanka’s CSE also fell on risk-off sentiment tied to higher import costs. Gas Prices at Home: Gas prices surged again in the US, hitting record levels in places like San Diego as crude strength fed through to retail fuel. Power & Transition Projects: Sofia Airport in Bulgaria started building a 5 MW solar plant for its own use, while Google announced a €13bn Finland AI investment that also includes clean energy support. Policy & Regulation: Nigeria warned flare-site permit holders they could lose licenses if progress stalls, and Bulgaria’s ombudsman proposed changes to heat cost allocation rules to protect low-income households. New Supply Outlook: OPEC trimmed 2026 oil demand growth but raised its forecast for US oil and condensate output growth. Africa Energy Deals: Senegal plans to offer 109 oil and gas blocks to investors, and Namibia’s green fertiliser project secured funding to use solar/wind and green hydrogen for low-carbon ammonia and fertiliser.