Vortexa: "Against the backdrop of refinery damage, it's hard to see Russian diesel exports rebounding toward seasonal averages, even if the export ban is partially lifted in September."

New Midseason Patch Notes 🚨 🤖 Ramattra Ravenous Vortex explosion damage increased to 30 🏹 Freja Redraw Crossbow fire rate increased to 5.5 😈 Shion Joyride impact damage reduced to 30 🐸 Lúcio Sonic Amplifier damage per projectile increased to 22 📖

China Daily Editorial: Although certain Western policymakers have been drawn into the rhetorical vortex of a purported "China Shock 2.0", the evolving arc of China-Canada ties points to the emergence of a countervailing cohort of countries that chooses to assess the situation objectively and remains open to the considerable potential of "China Opportunity 2.0". #ChinaDailyEditorial#

Global oil markets are facing a historic loss of diesel supply: Diesel supply from the Middle East dropped by -835,000 barrels per day on average between March and August 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to Vortexa estimates. At the same time, Russian diesel supply fell -377,000 barrels per day. Meanwhile, Kpler estimates diesel supply was down -750,000 barrels per day in the Middle East over the same period and -361,000 barrels per day in Russia, while Energy Aspects estimates declines of -733,000 and -307,000 barrels per day, respectively. This puts the average estimated diesel supply loss at -772,667 barrels per day in the Middle East and -348,333 barrels per day in Russia, or -1.1 million combined. Furthermore, Russian diesel supply plunged -615,000 barrels per day YoY on average in July and August, following Russia's diesel-export ban. The global diesel market crisis is deepening.

The recovery in Chinese seaborne crude oil imports has stalled month-to-date (Aug 1-15 data), per @Vortexa. China imported an average of ~6.8m b/d in the first two weeks of the month, down from ~7.3m b/d in July. Tanker arrivals suggest, however, an uptick in the second half of Aug, but smaller than initially anticipated. For now, China is keeping seaborne buying well below pre-war level.

#LAMFriday# The Heartbreakers, Johnny, Jerry, Walter, & Billy at their peak, playing the Vortex, London, July 77 & the Village Gate, NY, August 77. They had to leave London briefly due to visa issues.