Global Electricity Demand Grew 3% in 2025, Driven by Electric Vehicles and Data Centers: IEA

Third Vessel Attacked in Hormuz Strait; MSC Francesca Reports Hull Damage

Gate News message, April 22 — A Panama-flagged cargo vessel, MSC Francesca, was attacked while transiting the Hormuz Strait on April 22, marking the third ship targeted in the area that day, according to maritime intelligence firm Vanguard. The vessel sustained damage to its hull and living quarters

Condoms to rise in price by 30%! Middle East fighting spills over into the global supply chain; the largest manufacturer, Karex, plans to raise prices

Due to ongoing fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran that continues to disrupt raw material supply, global leader condom manufacturer Karex said condom prices could rise by 20% to more than 30%. This conflict not only disrupts global energy markets, but also further drives up production costs for a range of consumer products, putting the global supply chain under severe strain. The Strait of Hormuz is blockaded, disrupting petrochemical raw material supply In an interview with the media, Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said that because condom manufacturing is highly dependent on oil-derived products, since the outbreak of the conflict in late February, production costs have risen sharply. This includes basic petrochemical inputs such as ammonia used to preserve latex and, as lubricants, silicon oils and other affected petrochemical raw materials. In addition to crude oil, petrochemical feedstocks such as naphtha used to manufacture packaging materials are also facing shortages, forcing Asian manufacturers that rely heavily on imported raw materials to raise prices

Ukraine Completes Repairs on Friendship Pipeline, Prepares to Resume Oil Transit to Hungary and Slovakia

Ukraine completed repairs on the Friendship Pipeline's Ukrainian section per Naftogaz and MOL, enabling resumption of oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia.

Iran Signals Readiness for Talks Once U.S. Ends Naval Blockade, Markets React

Iran's envoy says talks can start once Washington ends its naval blockade and ceases ceasefire violations; signals of a possible lift, with markets moving as metals rise and the dollar and oil fall. Abstract: The piece reports that Iran's UN envoy is ready to negotiate immediately if the U.S. ends its blockade and ceases ceasefire violations, citing Tasnim News Agency; it notes signals of a possible lift and related market reactions.

Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire Indefinitely as Brent Hovers Near $100

Summary: Trump extends Iran ceasefire indefinitely to allow peace talks; oil prices steady near highs as Strait of Hormuz blockade persists; gold rises, stocks mixed amid negotiation uncertainty. Abstract: President Trump announced an indefinite extension of the Iran ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, while Tehran reportedly did not request the extension and warned the Strait of Hormuz would stay closed. Oil prices remained near highs despite the blockade; gold rose; regional markets posted mixed results.

Japan Posts 1.71 Trillion Yen Trade Deficit for Fifth Consecutive Fiscal Year

Abstract: This article reports Japan’s FY2025 trade data, showing a 1.71 trillion yen deficit—the fifth consecutive—driven by imports growing slowly despite 4% export gains led by semiconductors. It notes surging U.S. crude and LNG exports, with weaker auto and semiconductor equipment shipments to the United States due to tariffs. Summary: Japan posted a 1.71 trillion yen FY2025 trade deficit, exports up 4% on semiconductors, imports up 0.5%; U.S. energy exports rose, but auto and semiconductor equipment shipments to the U.S. fell due to tariffs.