Chuditch Gas: Timor-Leste’s regulator gave SundaGas and state-owned TIMOR GAP 12 months to advance plans for the Chuditch-2 appraisal well, after warning the licence could be terminated over missed drilling commitments. The partners are discussing a possible transfer of operatorship to TIMOR GAP, with binding agreements due by year-end. KTJ Drilling: Finder Energy has secured Eneos Drilling’s Hakuryu-5 rig for three offshore development wells, in a contract estimated at US$42.3 million. Drilling is expected to start between December 2027 and March 2028, bringing the Kuda Tasi and Jahal project closer to production. Regional Investment: Timor-Leste and Indonesia have signed an investment treaty and pledged to expand market access and business ties, including cooperation on energy, minerals, fisheries and tourism. Energy Costs: President José Ramos-Horta says expensive diesel power is deterring investors, while declining foreign aid is slowing the shift to renewable energy. He says developing oil and gas remains necessary to diversify the economy.