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US charges seven Chinese executives with illegal shipping container cartel
Officials from the Department of Justice announced on Tuesday that the 'United States' has charged seven Chinese executives, and four of the world's largest shipping container companies, with conspiring to limit supply in order to raise the price of containers, during the COVID epidemic. DOJ stated that the companies?manufactured about 95% standard dry -shipping containers in the world and conspired between November 2019 and?January 2024 to limit output and fix prices. The DOJ said that the scheme led to a 'U.S. Consumers paid more and waited longer for goods due to the pandemic. Stanley Woodward, Associate Attorney General at the time of announcing the case, said that these manufacturers took advantage of the pandemic and their market position to squeeze the supply chain. The?DOJ reported that one of the executives was arrested in France, April this year, by a 54-year-old marketing director for Singamas Container Holdings Ltd. Singamas didn't immediately respond to an inquiry?for comment about?the accusations.
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Algeria purchases wheat for shipment to two ports, traders claim
Traders in Europe said that the state grain agency of Algeria, OAIC, is believed to have purchased milling wheat Tuesday as part of an international tender which sought a limited'shipment' only to two ports. Initial estimates put the volume at about 200,000 tons. The requirement to only unload wheat?in two port tenders - Mostaganem or Tenes - from the OAIC signals that a relatively low purchase will be made. Initial estimates of the purchases reported ranged from $284-$285 per ton for shipment to Mostaganem, and $292 per ton (c&f), for Tenes. The cost of shipping to smaller ports was cited as a reason for the high prices. The reports reflect the assessments of traders, and future estimates on prices and volume are possible. Wheat was wanted for shipment from several regions, including Europe, during the following periods: July 1-15; July 16-31; August 1-15; August 16-31; September 1-15 and 16-30. The wheat is shipped a month sooner if it's sourced from South America or Australia. Algeria is an important customer for wheat imported from the European Union and in particular, France. Black Sea wheat is now a major player on the Algerian market, while French wheat was excluded from recent tenders due to political tensions between France and Algeria. Reporting by Michael Hogan from Hamburg, and Gus Trompiz from Paris. Editing by David Goodman.
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Department of Energy: US PJM Grid can reduce data center power consumption in emergency situations
The U.S. Department of Energy announced that PJM, which spans a total of '13'states in the Mid-Atlantic region and the Midwest, has the power to shut down data centers within its footprint. According to a DOE directive issued on Monday, PJM can direct transmission operators to stop powering data 'centers as a?last resort to avoid rolling blackouts. * The DOE stated that a "statutory emergency" exists in the (PJM) region due to an increase in demand and a "shortage" of electric power, as well as a "shortage" of facilities for generating electric power. * PJM is implementing a number of reforms to manage a demand that has 'outpaced the supply' and threatened grid stability.
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FAA concludes investigation into airline compliance regarding shutdown flight cuts
The Federal Aviation Administration informed Congress on Monday that it had 'closed' its investigation of airlines who did not adhere to the required flight reductions at 40 major airports in 2025. It has also decided against seeking any fines. Bryan Bedford, FAA administrator, said that in response to written questions from Senators seen by that agency, after sending letters of investigation on apparent noncompliance to airlines the agency determined "all but one were in substantial compliance with the restrictions." Bedford said that one unnamed airline was not in compliance and received an administrative warning. In November, the FAA announced that it would gradually reduce domestic flights by 10% at the 40 airports with high traffic during the 43 day government shutdown. Safety concerns were cited. Airlines for America (which represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines, and others) did not comment immediately. On November 12, the FAA decided to freeze its cuts at 6%, as disruptions began to decline dramatically with the end of federal shutdown. The FAA reduced the required reductions to 3%, before lifting them completely. Cirium, a firm that provides aviation analytics, found that airlines failed to adhere to the flight reduction requirements. On the last full day, they canceled only 0.25% flights in 'those 40 airports, which is less than the normal cancellation rate and less than the 3% required. The FAA can seek fines of up to $75,000.00 for each flight that exceeds the limits. Flight cuts were originally implemented by the agency to minimize disruptions in travel caused by a shortage of air traffic control during the shutdown of federal government, when many of these controllers stopped showing up for work due to not being paid. After the October 1st shutdown, thousands of flights were cancelled and delayed due to the absence of air traffic control. (Reporting and editing by David Shepardson)
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Four US LNG ships sailing to China following Trump-Xi Summit
According to data provided by financial firm LSEG four liquefied gas (LNG),?vessels are sailing from the U.S. to China and should arrive in June. This is the first U.S. cargo of LNG to depart the U.S. for China directly during President Donald Trump's 2nd term. Trump visited Beijing last week for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said to Fox News in May 2014 that China wanted to buy oil, LNG, and other goods from United States. China, in the past, was the largest gas importer. The U.S. is the biggest gas producer, consumer, and exporter. China still imposes a 25% tariff to U.S. LNG after levies were imposed on Chinese goods by the U.S., and this is the biggest obstacle to a revival in LNG trade between China and the U.S., according to S&P Global's May 15 report and May 12 factbox. Four vessels are currently heading from the U.S., to China. It is possible that one of them will arrive in China. According to LSEG, the Umm Al Hanaya ship left Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass Export Plant in Louisiana on 5 May. The Id'Asah vessel, Al Sene vessel and Lamail vessel all left Venture Global's Plaquemines Plant in Louisiana from 8-18 May. The four vessels are expected to arrive at China's Tianjin Port between June 15-28. Cheniere and Venture Global are the largest and second-largest U.S. producers of LNG, respectively. GAS PRICES ARE RISING AROUND WORLD In 2023, the U.S. will surpass Australia and Qatar as the largest LNG exporters in the world, as rising global prices have fueled demand for cheaper U.S. Gas. Gas prices in the world have risen in recent years because of supply disruptions linked to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Iran's war in 2026. Iran, in response to U.S. bombings and Israeli attacks, effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, and attacked Qatar's LNG facilities. This resulted in the loss of around 10 billion cubic foot per day (bcfd), or about 20% of the world's LNG supply. Comparatively, the U.S. is able to convert about 19 bcfd per day of gas into LNG. Gas prices have reached a six-week-high near $17 for a million British thermal units (mmBtu), at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) in Europe, and a four week-high near $19 at the Japan-Korea Marker. Gas in the U.S. is cheaper, as it produces enough fuel to meet both domestic and international demand. The Henry Hub benchmark price in Louisiana was trading at a high of $3 per mmBtu, a record for the past seven weeks. (Reporting and editing by Nick Zieminski, Scott DiSavino)
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Airbus targets 10% savings on costs due to global uncertainty and supply problems
Airbus Europe has cut back on non-industrial spending by 10% as supply chain issues and global uncertainty continue to affect its core business. They said that the clampdown will only affect activities related to the headquarters and planemaking division, but not production. The clampdown has been in place for several weeks, and is part of the LEAD project launched in 2024 to reduce costs. Sources said that the new "cost-containment" measure aims to reduce the use of outside contractors, which are traditionally a major resource for the largest planemaker in the world. Airbus, based in Toulouse, declined to comment. This previously unknown move is in line with efforts made by Western companies in order to reduce spending due to the economic uncertainty?and costs associated with the Iran war, and other trade tensions. Review of company statements from the United States and Europe, published on Monday, revealed that companies are facing a bill at least of $25 billion due to soaring energy costs and fracturing supply chains. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said last month to analysts that the war had not caused any immediate disruptions, but the group was concerned about the impact that higher oil prices could have on the price of derivative products. A problem with fuselage panel for A320 series planes had already disrupted financial planning late last year. 'BUILDING STRESS' Airbus has also been involved in a dispute with Pratt & Whitney over the delivery of engines. Sources said that the concerns over the integration and supply of parts of defunct aerostructures by Spirit AeroSystems continue to affect A350 part production. Aircraft deliveries - which drive profits - fell 16% in the quarter, as seasonal patterns were amplified by supply pressures. Airbus's new cost-reduction initiative, according to industry sources, has highlighted the challenge ahead of catching up with deliveries. Airbus aims to increase deliveries by 10% this year, to 870 aircraft. Cirium data shows that Airbus has delivered 27 aircraft this month. Rob Morris, an aviation analyst, said: "I don't see any acceleration. That's the problem." "They're building stress in the system, if they want to make 870 delivery." Faury informed analysts in April the vast majority A320 family aircraft that were affected by defective panels from a Spanish manufacturer would be delivered before the end of the month. (Reporting and editing by Emelia Sithole Matarise; Reporting by Tim Hepher)
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Smaller European airlines push back on passenger compensation reforms
Smaller European airlines have urged EU officials to reconsider planned reforms of passenger compensation rights on Tuesday, arguing that the spike in jet fuel costs due to war with Iran has left them unable to bear additional financial burdens. EU institutions are currently negotiating the reform of EU261, a decades-old regulation on passenger rights. Air passengers are entitled to compensation for delays of more than three-hours, under the existing rules. The amount is determined by flight length and can range from 250 euros (US$292.95) up to more. Next round of discussions is scheduled for June 2. In a letter sent to EU officials, executives of 35 airlines, including Air Serbia and SkyExpress, Luxair and Atlantic Airways, said: "We urge European policymakers to pause, reassess and reconsider." KLM Cityhopper, Air Corsica and other airlines also signed the letter. The European Parliament, and the?EU member states are in disagreement over the increase of the threshold for flight delay compensation as well as?the maximum refund. The European Parliament wants the threshold for short-haul flight delays to remain at three hours, while EU member states want to raise it to four hours. The smaller European carriers are asking for a higher threshold or even no compensation, but have not made any explicit demands. Co-legislators also disagree over a proposal by the Parliament to include a right to a complimentary cabin bag up to 7 kg (15lb) as part of the new rules. The airlines are also against this proposal. In a letter, airline executives said: "Conduct an impact assessment in the new geopolitical situation, acknowledge the unique role regional aviation plays, adjust the compensation system to reflect operational reality, discourage flight cancellations, and avoid destroying essential air links." The report said that smaller?European airlines have been particularly affected by the increase in jet fuel prices. They are also more vulnerable because they operate thin routes with "very low profit margins", which makes it difficult for them to pay out when disruptions happen. Jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in the last few years, and some airlines are warning about long-term effects on their profits. "The strength of Europe lies in its connectivity. Not only between the major?capitals but also across all regions and communities. This connectivity is made possible by regional?aviation. "Do not let this be your last straw", the letter stated. The free seating of an accompanying adult adjacent to a child, or a person with reduced mobility, is another rule that is not disputed. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton; Joanna Plucinska)
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NTSB examines reports of cracks on key part during hearing on fatal Kentucky cargo accident
The National Transportation?Board is reviewing Tuesday reports of cracks in a key part during a two-day hearing into the fatal crash in Kentucky of a UPS MD-11 freight plane that killed 15 people including 3 crew members and 12 passengers. The NTSB reported in January that a part of the?jet's cracked wing was mentioned in a Boeing report from 2011 which stated?that there had been three previous failures. The NTSB reported that its 'investigation' had revealed fatigue cracks on a pylon connecting the left wing to the plane engine, known as the bearing races. The NTSB reported that there had been a number of reports in the previous decade of cracks on race parts of MD-11?planes. The hearing will review the requirements for?components and the Federal Aviation Administration’s oversight of the issue in the past two decades. FedEx announced last week that it has begun to'resume use of MD-11 aircrafts after the FAA lifted the order which had barred flights in the wake of the fatal UPS cargo crash. UPS retired its MD-11 fleet of over two dozen cargo planes at the end last year. (Reporting and editing by Hugh Lawson, David Shepardson).
NERC claims that strong resource additions will boost US summer grid preparedness, but risks remain
In a report released on 'Tuesday, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. said that resource additions of record proportions had strengthened 'U.S. Grid readiness is a must for?the summer, despite the fact that risks are still high in certain areas. NERC's Summer Reliability Assessment reports that the addition of new bulk power system resources includes a'substantial influx' of solar, battery and a few?new gas-fired generators. The report did warn that grid reliability could be challenged by increased 'demand,' rapid growth of large load, low wind output, and the overlap of spring maintenance outages with early summer heat.
NERC warned that the early summer heat and drought will increase reliability risk in several regions.
In 2025, there were six regions at a high risk of a supply shortage in the event of abnormal summer weather conditions. By 2026, this risk is reduced to three regions and one locality.
The growth in load?has been significant with an increase of 11 Gigawatts from 2025. This is a continuation of the 10 GW increase?in 2025 which doubled the growth from 2023-2024.
Grid reliability will continue to be challenged by the 'rapid increase in demand,' especially during summer peak months. Reporting by Pooja menon in Bengaluru, Editing by Mark Porter
(source: Reuters)