Miscellaneous

The Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) has lowered the retail price of furnace oil to Tk 109.10 per litre, reversing two back-to-back price hikes. The decision, approved during a special commission meeting on June 30, comes after a thorough review of international Platts rates, crude oil costs, and US dollar fluctuations between May and late June.

Brazil secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Japan in Houston. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli proved to be the hero, curling home a magnificent winner five minutes into stoppage time.

Paraguay secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 after a thrilling 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Germany in Boston. Despite heavy German possession, Paraguay's disciplined defense held the score to 1-1 before sealing the historic upset.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, has arrived in China for a two-day diplomatic visit aimed at addressing the severe economic and security fallout of the ongoing Iran conflict. The trip highlights a growing strategic divergence between Riyadh and Washington, following Saudi Arabia's refusal to grant the US military airspace access for "Project Freedom."

Commercial traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has decelerated following targeted attacks on the container ship Ever Lovely and the oil tanker M/T Kiku. While US CENTCOM confirmed retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets after a drone strike, Washington and Tehran have reportedly agreed to a temporary pause in hostilities ahead of scheduled diplomatic talks in Doha.