ASEAN Energy Shock: A week of coverage is dominated by the region’s energy squeeze after Gulf disruption pushed LNG costs sharply higher, forcing governments to scramble for power security rather than rely on long supply chains. Greater Sunrise Momentum: Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise and Tasi Mane megaproject is moving from politics to execution as the mid-2026 concept deadline nears, with the Woodside LNG deal shifting the project toward a “Timor-Leste First” onshore processing approach. Budget Pressure at Home: The Council of Ministers approved a first amendment to the 2026 General State Budget, adding about US$101.1m to absorb higher international fuel prices and other new costs. Trade Integration Push: Trade Minister Nino Pereira used the ADB–World Bank Trade Forum to stress Timor-Leste’s WTO accession and full ASEAN membership, tying them to policy alignment and diversification. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Timor-Leste agreed to open reciprocal embassies, deepening ties beyond oil and gas. Local Business Watch: A UK Home Office investigation is ongoing after reports of a business hiring illegal workers from East Timor.