Cuba Power Crisis: Cuba suffered a second nationwide blackout in five days as fuel shortages deepen under the US energy blockade, with emergency protocols prioritizing hospitals and other critical services. Offshore Oil Procurement: Petrobras postponed the deadline for bids on a new Buzios pre-salt FPSO tender by six months, extending contractor competition for the P-91 floater. Oil Price Pressure for LAC: ECLAC warned that the US-Iran conflict is likely to keep oil prices higher in 2026, raising costs for oil-importing Latin American and Caribbean economies. Global Fuel Shock: Russia’s full diesel export ban tightened global supply and pushed diesel prices higher, with knock-on effects for heavy transport and industrial activity. Caribbean Affordability Push: CARICOM and private-sector groups agreed measures to improve affordability, including cutting intra-regional trade barriers and logistics costs, and addressing the impact of the IMO net-zero framework on small island states. Lithium Race in Bolivia: A closer look at Salar de Uyuni highlights the world-scale lithium reserves beneath the salt flat and the growing push to develop them. Venezuela Oil Sector Shake-up: Venezuela’s new Hydrocarbons Law relaxes rules and breaks up the oil monopoly, reshaping how the sector operates. Antitrust Watch (EU, offshore services): The European Parliament is set to investigate the Saipem-Subsea 7 merger, focusing on competition for offshore engineering capacity and vessels. Renewables & Grid Buildout (Colombia): Colombia commissioned a 360 MW solar park, adding to the country’s expanding clean-power pipeline.