World's Largest Refiner Says China's Oil Demand "Very Likely Peaked Last Year"

One of the most understated stories of 2026, and the reason why oil (and gas) aren't trading at persistently nosebleed levels (ignore diesel for the time being), has been China's unexpectedly weak oil demand. And while there has been much speculation surrounding the reason for this chronically weak oil demand, ranging from an accelerated - and offsetting - SPR drain, to a dramatic economic slowdown behind the scenes (or even in front of the scenes based on the latest dismal economic data), today for the first time we got a notable justification for this phenomenon coming from none other than the head of the nation’s - and world's - largest refiner,  who said that China’s oil demand probably peaked last year, earlier than previous estimates.

Clean energy development, electrification and low-carbon goals mean that the country’s oil demand has probably already crested, Sinopec Chairman Hou Qijun said Monday at an earnings briefing in Hong Kong, quoted by Bloomberg.

The company had previously forecast usage to top out in 2027, while the government is targeting oil and coal consumption to reach their limits during the current five-year plan period, which runs through 2030.

“Next year, even if the US-Iran conflict eases up, things might recover, but it won’t hit last year’s level,” Hou said. “So it’s very likely demand peaked last year.”

Since China is the world’s largest oil importer, an earlier start to reducing consumption would help rein in its world-leading emissions while raising questions for the world’s top crude drillers.

Sinopec, known officially as China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., said in its earnings report on Sunday that road fuel demand plummeted in the first half as consumers shied away from higher prices and shifted to electric vehicles. The declines are expected to narrow a bit in the second half because of supportive economic policies, said Tian Hongbin, a senior vice president at the company.

Even as fuel demand drops, the company is making sure domestic supply needs are met, President Wan Tao said during Monday’s briefing. It’s diversifying crude sources away from the Middle East while working with its suppliers in the region on shipping routes safe from the violence of the Iran War. The refiner has received 11 oil tankers previously stuck in the Persion Gulf that were carrying a combined 2.76 million tons of crude, he said.

The company typically keeps about 20 days of crude storage for refining purposes, and 15 days of refined products for marketing, Wan said. Inventory levels have remained steady during the war, and Sinopec will continue to follow directions from the government on its commercial storage levels, he added.

Tyler Durden Mon, 08/24/2026 - 22:10

DOJ To Deploy 1,000 Election Monitors For Midterms

The Justice Department is preparing to send a record 1,000 federal monitors to polling places for the 2026 midterms, the largest deployment of its kind in the agency's history. Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general who runs the Civil Rights Division, gave the number to Bloomberg last week and the figure alone tells you how central "election integrity" has become to this administration's second-term agenda.

This is not unprecedented. The Civil Rights Division has monitored polling places for decades under the Voting Rights Act, which bars discrimination, intimidation, or obstruction of voting based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability.

According to the Department of Justice, "The Voting Rights Act permits federal observers to monitor procedures in polling places and at sites where ballots are counted in eligible political subdivisions."

The Division determines whether federal observers are needed in an eligible jurisdiction. If so, the Division notifies the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) that federal observers are needed, which OPM recruits, and then, in cooperation with Division attorneys, supervises federal observers. Federal observers write reports of the activities they witness in polling places and provide those reports to the Division.

The pool of potential monitors is thinner than it used to be. More than 70 percent of the Civil Rights Division's career staff took early retirement or resigned amid the division's priority shake-up under Dhillon, and despite a recent hiring push, the office remains understaffed.

This represents a significant escalation of the use of election monitors compared to past elections. The Biden administration's DOJ sent 289 monitors to polling places during the 2022 midterms. Then, in 2024, the DOJ sent 714 monitors across 27 states and 86 jurisdictions, a majority of them Civil Rights Division attorneys and staff, with a smaller contingent drawn from the Office of Personnel Management's separate and largely diminished federal observer program, which trains volunteers to watch and take notes at polling sites under court order.

A DOJ spokesperson offered the outline of an answer to how they intend to pull off such a large increase in monitors, saying the department plans to recruit federal employees, including staff from U.S. Attorney's Offices, to volunteer for the effort.

According to CBS News, the Civil Rights Division has filed 31 lawsuits against states seeking unredacted voter data, arguing the requests are necessary to confirm voter rolls are accurate and that noncitizens are not registered. The states on the receiving end characterize the lawsuits as an effort to manufacture doubt about election administration rather than genuinely clean up the rolls. The DOJ has not won a single one of the 31 lawsuits, and judges have blocked its data requests outright in 23 of them.

The broader push fits into President Trump's second term agenda, which has made election integrity a signature priority, most visibly through his backing of the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and a valid photo ID to vote in federal elections. The FBI has also opened a string of criminal investigations tied to the 2020 presidential election, including in Fulton County, Georgia, and in Arizona, keeping that election in active legal limbo nearly six years later.

Supporters of the monitoring surge will call it overdue vigilance against a system Republicans have long argued is vulnerable to fraud and administrative sloppiness, as was recently uncovered in New Jersey, where more than 6,000 noncitizens were found on the voter rolls. However, critics will call it a pretext for a federal presence at polling places, timed to a midterm cycle in which control of Congress hangs in the balance.

Tyler Durden Mon, 08/24/2026 - 21:20

Japan Power Prices Surge To Highest Since 2023

By Tsvetana Paraskova of OilPrice.com

Japan’s nationwide day-ahead electricity price soared by 20% in one week to settle on Monday at the highest level since January 2023, as gas supply disruptions from the Middle East and an intense heatwave pushed up prices and consumption.  

The day-ahead power price in Japan has jumped to $0.16 (25.18 Japanese yen) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on Monday, per data from the Japan Electric Power Exchange cited by Bloomberg.

The heatwave in Japan is set to intensify later this week, with temperatures peaking on Wednesday, according to weather forecasts.

While the heatwave is boosting consumption, the oil and gas supply disruption in the Middle East has raised Japan’s fuel costs as LNG prices have doubled from before the Iran war began and Qatar’s LNG supply was trapped behind the Strait of Hormuz.

Japan, one of the world’s biggest LNG importers, earlier this summer reduced gas-fired generation in favor of coal as the price of liquefied natural gas remained elevated.

Japan has been burning more coal and less gas for power generation since the war in the Middle East started, and it is not the only one. All Asian countries have made the switch from gas to coal on affordability and availability grounds.

Moreover, surging oil prices have led to a significant increase in Japan’s import bill for oil and LNG.

The price of spot LNG deliveries into northeast Asia soared to a five-month high at the end of last week amid the renewed hostilities in the Middle East and the return of the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, which cut off Qatar’s LNG supply again.

The average spot LNG price for October delivery into north-east Asia was estimated at $22.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) at the end of last week, the highest level since the early days of the Middle East conflict.

As a result, fuel costs for power supply in resource-poor Japan jumped to the highest level in over three and a half years.

Tyler Durden Mon, 08/24/2026 - 20:55

Inside China's Humanoid Robot Boom: What BofA Analysts Saw On The Ground In Beijing

China put its humanoid robotics industry on full display last week with a series of technological, commercial, and capital-markets milestones. Beijing first hosted the 2026 World Robot Conference, followed by the five-day World Humanoid Robot Games, while Unitree capped the week with a blockbuster IPO.

Bank of America analyst Ming Hsun Lee attended last week's 2026 World Robot Conference and provided feedback to clients, noting that China's humanoid-robot industry has shifted from research demonstrations to commercial deployment, with logistics emerging as the first real-world use case.

Welcome to China, and welcome to the future!

Maybe we will soon witness humanoid robot formation in China's military parade.@WHRGFUN ©️@boosterobotics pic.twitter.com/dVqkVRGghu

— Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) August 23, 2026

Lee said the WRC featured more than 300 exhibitors spanning humanoid robots, AI models, and critical components. Unlike last year's conference, which focused mainly on research and industrial applications, this year's conference focused on real-world uses for these robots, including logistics, retail, services, and household tasks.

He pointed to one example in which humanoids far exceed human capabilities.

X Square Robot demonstrated a dual-arm system capable of sorting more than 1,800 parcels per hour, far faster than the 1,200 to 1,400 parcels typically handled by a human worker. He also noted that Galaxea AI reported a success rate above 95% for its retail sorting and delivery system.

Other robotics startups featured at the event included Unitree, Galbot, and Spirit AI, which demonstrated robots folding clothes, preparing meals, sorting household objects, and assembling supermarket orders.

Dexterous hands displayed at the conference offered between 6 and 37 degrees of freedom, with these components having completed approximately 1 million operating cycles.

"Tactile sensors have become a must-have for dexterous hands, which account for 20-25% of the BOM cost of a dexterous hand. On the cost front, 6D force & torque sensor/tactile sensor/planetary roller screw are among the key components with fastest cost reduction over the past year, thanks to scale effect and improved manufacturing process. This could support a 45% cost reduction of humanoid robots in 2026-30E, according to our forecast," the analyst said.

Here's what Lee told clients:

Wider application scenario for embodied AI

We attended the 2026 WRC, held in Beijing from 19-23 August. The conference featured more than 300 exhibitors spanning humanoid robots and key component manufacturers. Compared with WRC 2025, where applications were primarily in R&D/industrial settings, WRC 2026 showcased a broader range of embodied AI use cases, extending into logistics, retail, services, and household scenarios. Among these, logistics emerged as one of the fastest-commercializing applications. Notably, X Square Robot demonstrated a parcel-sorting capacity of >1,800 parcels per hour using dual robotic arms, higher than the speed of human beings (1,200-1,400 parcels per hour). Many robotics companies (such as Galbot, Galaxea AI, Spirit AI, X Square Robot etc.) also demonstrated long-duration tasks in retail and household scenarios, such as folding clothes, preparing meals, and picking supermarket orders.

Real-world data crucial to model capability

World action models (WAM) are increasingly adopted by embodied AI companies, which enables higher generalization capability and performs well in long-period tasks. Leading robotics companies are seeking to develop a unified base model that can control different body forms (wheeled, bipedal etc.). On the data front, the importance of high-quality real-world data has become a consensus among embodied AI developers. Egocentric data is increasingly used in pre-training, thanks to its cheaper cost and larger scale, while high-quality real-world robot data (teleoperation/ failure-recovery trajectory) are used in post-training. Currently, data availability remains the key bottleneck for embodied AI developers. We estimate a general-purpose embodied AI model with high generalization capability would require 10mn-100mn hours of real-world data. Leading robotics companies now target to collect >1mn hours of real-world data by end-2026. Third-party data service providers (e.g. Lightwheel) also emerge to provide Egocentric/UMI data and simulation platform for model training.

Component: fast cost reduction continues

Dexterous hand companies in WRC demonstrated products with DoF ranging from 6 to 37. In general, high-DoF dexterous hands are preferred for R&D and high-precision manipulation tasks, while 6-DoF hands and grippers are widely used in manufacturing scenarios. Technology routes for dexterous hand haven't yet converged, with tendon-driven/bar linkage/direct drive solutions co-existing in the market. Leading dexterous hand companies can now achieve a life span of nearly 1mn cycles. Tactile sensors have become a must-have for dexterous hands, which account for 20-25% of a dexterous hand's BOM cost. On the cost front, 6D force & torque sensor/tactile sensor/planetary roller screw are among the key components with fastest cost reduction over the past year, thanks to scale effect and improved manufacturing process. This could support a 45% cost reduction of humanoid robots in 2026-30E, according to our forecast.

The bigger picture is that China appears to hold an early lead over the US in the humanoid robotics race, supported by control over both critical materials and downstream manufacturing. Beijing dominates rare-earth supply chains and much of the production capacity for critical components, including permanent magnets, motors, actuators, and sensors. That vertically integrated advantage could allow Chinese manufacturers to reduce costs and scale humanoid production faster than any US company. 

Last week, JPMorgan analysts toured Tesla's Fremont humanoid robotics factory and read more about what they uncovered (see here). 

Tyler Durden Mon, 08/24/2026 - 20:30

Michigan's Energy Abundance Is On The Ballot

Authored by Samantha Fillmore via RealClearEnergy,

It is indisputable that energy is the lifeblood of every civilization. We are reminded of that truth daily at the gas pumps and when it's time to recharge the latest iPhone. Another indisputable truth is that the availability and affordability of energy are as delicate as the fiber-optic cables that supply our homes with Wi-Fi.

We are living out that truth in real time between the ongoing war in the Middle East affecting the global flow of energy and the growing energy demands that accompany data center and AI proliferation. Tie that in with idealistic energy policy that results in intermittent and unreliable sources of power, and we are headed in the opposite direction of energy prosperity.

Without sound energy policy that is founded in the realities of science, we are barreling towards a reality where energy is less abundant and more expensive than it's ever been.

Essentially, we are on the precipice of slipping and falling into a version of America that is unrecognizable from the America that we grew up in. On the local, state, and federal levels of government, each poor and uneducated decision on energy policy will slowly turn our land of prosperity into something more akin to our European counterparts, complete with their sky-high energy prices.

This is a pivotal moment for our leaders to make the correct decisions to secure our future energy and prosperity. The future of energy is in abundance. It is paramount that we ensure our energy is affordable, reliable, and clean.

Residents of Michigan are currently at that pivotal point in deciding which direction they want their state energy policy to go in. The Congressional race for Michigan's 7th District between incumbent Tom Barrett (R) and William Lawrence (D) is a microcosm for this very important crossroads in energy policy.

In his Congressional tenure, Barrett has supported energy policy that allows the market to choose the best, most reliable, and most affordable energy sources, particularly through the initiative to "unleash American energy" in the big Beautiful Bill. Furthermore, he has recognized that the permitting process for U.S. LNG exports should be improved to expedite the process and that the Inflation Reduction Act has, "[F]ailed to meet our energy needs," by funneling hundreds of billions of dollars into clean energy projects that fail to produce energy when the wind doesn't blow, and the sun doesn't shine.

As Congressman for the Wolverine State, Barrett has been overt in his opposition to Michigan Democrats' "Extreme energy mandates," requiring electricity production to use 100% green energy.

In a February 2026 X post, Barrett said: "Policies have consequences, and Michigan Democrats' extreme energy mandates continue driving energy costs through the roof. Michigan families can't afford to keep paying the price," in response to news breaking that Michigan energy customers should expect another rate hike.

Staying on-brand, in a March 2026 X post, Barrett said: "While Michigan Democrats double down on their failed green energy mandates that are driving up utility bills, I'm fighting to increase consumer choice and unleash affordable, reliable energy that gives you and your family the stability you deserve," once again citing his goal to keep energy prosperity a reality for his home state.

Through the power of his actions and votes in the halls of Congress, and through his continued advocacy for Michigan energy abundance, by way of affordability and reliability, Tom Barrett understands the dire importance of the crossroads Michigan is at.

On the other hand, William Lawrence participated in "[D]esigning the Green New Deal," according to a November 2025 X post. Lawrence has said that in Congress he will, "[F]ight for investment to secure the climate we depend on." Furthermore, Lawrence was a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, a climate group that claims, "[They] are the climate revolution," and demands a "transition away from all forms of fossil fuels as quickly as possible," along with "no new oil, gas, or coal projects."

The feeling that Lawrence is not interested in securing energy prosperity for the Wolverine State is palpable. Rather, it is evident that he is interested in pushing political ideology at the literal cost of Michiganders' electricity bills.

This is the duty and responsibility of our leaders to cultivate an environment to improve cities, grow and sustain a healthy population, incentivize business investments and technological developments, and all other elements of industry that once made Michigan an economic powerhouse in former decades. This requires energy. Abundant energy. Affordable energy that will be there at the flip of the switch when the sun is not shining, and the wind isn't blowing.

Energy is the lifeblood of every economy, and Michigan is no different. There are several issues to consider in all Congressional races; however, for people who are struggling to pay their energy bills, this issue may rise above the others.

Samantha Fillmore is the Senior State Government Relations Manager for Heartland Impact, the advocacy arm of The Heartland Institute, a 40-year-old public policy think tank based in Schaumburg, IL.

Tyler Durden Mon, 08/24/2026 - 20:05

Your Tax Dollars At Work: San Fran Shelter Workers Accused Of Hiding Cop Shooter

Two employees at a San Francisco homeless shelter funded through city contracts have been arrested for allegedly helping a suspected cop shooter hide from police, according to the New York Post.

The case stems from a May 31 confrontation near the Bay Bridge involving 36-year-old Norris Reed III. Authorities say what began as an attempted traffic stop escalated into a pursuit, ending when Reed’s vehicle struck a concrete barrier. Police allege Reed then fired at officers, wounding Officer Brittney Taylor in the leg, and escaped on foot.

The Post writes that the search eventually led officers to the Bayshore Navigation Center, where Reed was located roughly two hours after the shooting. Investigators now say two people working at the facility took steps to make finding him more difficult.

Oliver Barcenas, 36, allegedly supplied Reed with a change of clothes, which police say was intended to alter his appearance. Erika Porter, 45, is accused of giving investigators misleading information while officers were trying to locate Reed inside the center.

Reed was ultimately captured, and the investigation into what happened at the shelter continued. Nearly three months later, on Aug. 20, police arrested Barcenas and Porter over their alleged roles in concealing the wanted man.

Police Chief Derrick Lew condemned the alleged actions, saying there was no justification for helping an armed fugitive escape capture after an officer had been wounded.

Barcenas also has a criminal record of his own. He previously received a seven-year federal prison sentence following a conviction for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

The Bayshore Navigation Center is run by the nonprofit Five Keys with funding provided through San Francisco city contracts. It has space for as many as 128 homeless residents and offers case management and housing-related assistance intended to help people move into permanent housing.

Tyler Durden Mon, 08/24/2026 - 19:40