South Korea has agreed to deploy massive capital investments into Texas gas power generation to fuel intelligence data centers, while Poland terminates its retail fuel subsidies. Simultaneously, Russian upstream operators resume active drilling in mature Siberian fields using artificial intelligence.
Global market
South Korea has agreed to invest $22.3 billion in a 6.3 GW gas-fired power plant in Texas as part of a trade agreement with the US administration. The facility will secure electricity for artificial intelligence data centers, helping Seoul secure favorable tariff terms. Meanwhile, Qatar is preparing to resume liquefied natural gas exports. Tracking data shows six empty QatarEnergy LNG tankers heading toward the Persian Gulf via the Gulf of Oman. In the downstream sector, a critical shipping fuel shortage looms as refiners prioritize diesel. Industry analysts at Energy Aspects project a bunker fuel deficit of 218,000 barrels per day in the current quarter, representing the deepest shipping fuel squeeze since 2025.
Russia & CIS
Gazprom Neft has resumed drilling operations in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug after a five-year hiatus. Utilizing proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms, its subsidiary Gazpromneft-Khantos discovered hidden reserves containing 4 million tons of crude oil, with a second hydraulic fracturing fleet expected by 2027. Meanwhile, Poland has officially terminated its state retail fuel subsidy program. Polish Energy Minister Milosz Motyka confirmed that national funds to keep fuel prices lower have been exhausted, though Poland’s gas storage facilities remain filled to 95% capacity. In defense logistics, the Kalashnikov Group began delivering specialized anti-drone weapon mounts to protect major Russian fuel and energy infrastructure sites.
Armenia
Brent crude prices climbed to $97.28 per barrel amid shipping disruptions and tightening maritime fuel markets, news.am reported. The global rally coincided with local infrastructure accidents in Yerevan. In the Nor Ares district, a Nissan Teana collided with a parked Gazel, and in a separate incident, a KamAZ truck crashed into trees, with both accidents destroying vital gas pipeline support pillars and interrupting local supplies. Despite these technical incidents, Armenia’s retail petrol, diesel, and gas tariffs remain stable. Long-term EAEU trade treaties ensure duty-free imports of Russian fuel at fixed rates, shielding the domestic economy from volatile international market price assessments.