Refining & Petrochem Expansion: Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) signed an MoU with Turkey’s Yamata to build a 4 million tpy second refinery in Senegal and modernise the Mbao site, with investment estimated at $2–3bn plus $300–500m for upgrades, alongside petrochemical development and 15,000+ construction jobs. Energy Security: Kenya broke ground on Dangote’s $16bn Lamu refinery, targeting completion in 2030 and aiming to cut East Africa’s reliance on imported refined fuels. Industrial Safety & Health: Australia’s Royal Children’s Hospital faced union backlash after staff were told they may have been exposed to toxic chemicals linked to sterile glove safety concerns, while South Durban residents reported a strong chemical odour and authorities are investigating suspected sources. PFAS & Chemical Regulation: India’s G20 remarks pushed back on claims of “excess” manufacturing capacity, and South Korea is weighing exemptions from Scope 3 reporting for low-carbon industries to ease compliance burdens. Contamination & Consumer Exposure: A new investigation found toxic plastic contaminants, glyphosate and heavy metals in nearly all tested cat foods, raising concerns about long-term exposure. Corporate Deal Watch: Hindalco called off its $125m AluChem acquisition after prolonged closing delays. Geopolitics & Sanctions: The US expanded sanctions on Iran’s auto and rail sectors, targeting key makers and transport operators as pressure shifts from sea to land. Industrial Incidents: Drone-linked fires and explosions were reported near Russia’s Volgograd oil refinery and KAUSTIK chemical plant, and Ukraine struck a major Samara oil dispatch hub, with analysts pointing to LPDS Samara. Market/Trade Signals: US propane exports hit record levels in 1H26, supported by higher production and petrochemical demand.