China increased refined fuel exports by 12.7% in August to 6.01 million tons as global diesel shortages intensified, despite thermal coal spot prices hitting three-year highs. Meanwhile, Russian security forces thwarted a pipeline sabotage attempt in the North Caucasus, while Brent crude prices eased to $103.68 per barrel.
Global market
China exported 6.01 million tons of refined fuels in August, a 12.7% year-on-year increase, driven by record jet fuel shipments to relieve a deepening global diesel deficit, according to customs data. Total fuel exports for January through August remained down 9.6% compared to 2025 due to earlier export limits. Concurrently, US diesel prices climbed to a record high, amplifying freight cost pressures. In response to rising energy demand, Beijing urged coal miners to boost thermal coal output after spot prices touched a three-year peak, even as coal’s share in national power generation dropped below 50% for the first time to 49.7% in the first half of 2026. Additionally, Mexican authorities seized 59 million liters of contraband fuel in Guanajuato.
Russia & CIS
The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) thwarted a planned terrorist attack on a trunk gas pipeline in Kabardino-Balkaria, detaining a suspect in custody. On the corporate front, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree placing the domestic assets of French retailer Auchan under temporary Rosimushchestvo management. Meanwhile, a Moscow court froze the assets of industrial group Uralskiye Zavody following a lawsuit filed by the Prosecutor General’s Office. Addressing international economic ties, President of the International Organization for Eurasian Cooperation Dmitry Stasyulis described Russia as a reliable energy and food supplier to Cuba despite ongoing economic sanctions.
Armenia
Brent crude prices fell to $103.68 per barrel on international exchanges, offering relief to energy importers across the South Caucasus, according to news.am. The thwarted sabotage on the Kabardino-Balkaria gas pipeline underscored security risks facing regional transit infrastructure supplying the broader region. Despite international market volatility, retail prices for petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas in Armenia remain stable. Energy supply security is maintained through long-term trade agreements within the EAEU, shielding consumers from price fluctuations recorded by international market price assessments.