Yemen’s government urged the United Nations to intervene against Houthi rebel activity in the Bab-el-Mandeb and Hormuz straits, as the US and China agreed that nations cannot charge fees for transit through international waters. Meanwhile, Russia allocated 1.2 billion rubles for regional gasification, and Azerbaijan discussed energy logistics with Moscow.
Global market
Yemen’s government urged the United Nations to act against Houthi threats in the Bab-el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe risks to global trade. On alternative fuels, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported challenges in reaching its 2030 target of 5–10% zero-emission bunker fuel adoption due to lagging vessel orders. In freight markets, supertanker VLCC charter activity quieted following the prior week’s record rates. Meanwhile, Singapore fuel oil inventories rose 6% in September to 20.09 million barrels, while middle distillate stocks climbed to 8.35 million barrels. Additionally, classification societies ABS, DNV, and RINA joined the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network.
Russia & CIS
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev held bilateral talks on energy, industry, and transport logistics. In domestic infrastructure, the Russian Cabinet allocated an additional 1.2 billion rubles to expand the social gasification program across regional territories. Emergency services reported that falling drone debris cut electricity to 26,000 residents in Krasnodar Krai’s Seversky district, while a utility line blackout in Vladivostok left over 20,000 residents without power in the Leninsky and Pervomaysky districts.
Armenia
China and the US reached a consensus that no nation may levy fees on shipping through international straits, am.sputniknews.ru reported. The deal addresses navigation security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas flows. News of Moscow-Baku energy discussions was also closely monitored across Armenian media. Nevertheless, retail prices for petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas in Armenia remain stable. Natural gas supplies and operations at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant proceed normally under long-term EAEU trade agreements shielding consumers from volatility recorded by international market price assessments.