Real-time News

Kremlin: Ukraine's attack on Russian oil infrastructure could lead to further increases in oil prices.

May 3 - A draft OPEC+ statement indicates that seven OPEC+ countries have agreed to raise their June oil production target by approximately 188,000 barrels per day, marking the third consecutive month of increases. This move aims to demonstrate the organization's readiness to increase supply after the war. Sources say that despite the UAE's withdrawal from the organization this week, OPEC+ will continue to pursue its production increase plan. The seven member countries meeting on Sunday are Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Oman. A report from OPEC last month stated that the average daily crude oil production of all OPEC+ members in March was 35.06 million barrels, a decrease of 7.7 million barrels per day from February, with Iraq and Saudi Arabia experiencing the largest production cuts due to export restrictions. The draft statement indicates that the seven member countries will meet again on June 7.

On May 3rd, rumors circulated online that "starting May 1st, ETC will no longer be used on highways; passengers can enter without a card simply by showing their license plate." This rumor sparked heated discussion online, with some netizens even considering removing their ETC devices from their cars. However, after verification with multiple sources, reporters confirmed that no such "new regulation" has been issued by relevant departments. Industry experts stated that these rumors represent a one-sided and inaccurate interpretation of the "mobile phone+" cardless passage technology and constitute exaggerated advertising.

British Prime Minister Starmer: We will work together to build a stronger Britain.

On May 3, it was reported that in the first quarter of this year, the China Development Bank (CDB), based on its institutional characteristics, coordinated special resources and carried out extensive cooperation with other banks, issuing a total of RMB 28.54 billion in special relending loans to stabilize foreign trade, supporting more than 6,500 small and micro foreign trade enterprises. The weighted average interest rate of the borrowers was lower than the national average interest rate for newly issued inclusive small and micro loans during the same period, effectively helping relevant enterprises alleviate financing difficulties and high financing costs, stabilize orders, expand markets, and stabilize employment.

European Central Bank Vice President Guindos said on Sunday that he will not return to Spanish politics after his term ends in May. He stated, "I have been in politics for six and a half years, and I will not return to politics, nor will I switch to banking."

Boeing: EgyptAir receives its first Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

A South Korean satellite was launched into space by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

On May 3, local time, Mojitaba Zarei, a member of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, revealed new details of the Islamabad talks on social media. Zarei stated that the Islamabad negotiations were based on the permission of Iran's Supreme Leader. In addition to obtaining permission, the content of the negotiations must also be conducted within the framework of the Supreme Leader's approval: when the US side wanted to discuss nuclear technology issues, they were informed that the Supreme Leader had prohibited the delegation from discussing technical details on this issue; from now on, decisions in this regard will be made entirely by the Supreme Leader. Furthermore, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran was prohibited from joining the negotiating team.

Ukrainian President Zelensky: Ukrainian troops struck two Shadow Fleet oil tankers in the waters leading to the port of Novorossiysk, Russia.

The local governor said the fires sparked by the Ukrainian drone attack on the Russian port of Primorsk have been extinguished.

On May 3, local time, information from the maritime news agency "Tanker Tracker" indicated that a very large crude carrier (VLCC) belonging to the National Iranian Tanker Company, carrying over 1.9 million barrels of crude oil (worth nearly $220 million), successfully evaded tracking by the U.S. Navy. The vessel is currently transiting the Lombok Strait in Indonesia, en route to the Riau Islands.

Detroit automakers have warned that economic losses due to rising commodity prices this year could reach $5 billion as tensions rise due to the war in the Middle East.

May 3 - According to statistics from the Hengqin Border Inspection Station of the Zhuhai Border Inspection General Station, on May 2, the number of inbound and outbound passengers at the Hengqin Port reached approximately 148,000, an increase of 15.1% year-on-year, setting a new record for the port's single-day inbound and outbound passenger flow.

According to Al Jazeera: TankerTrackers reports that an Iranian supertanker carrying $220 million worth of oil has successfully evaded a U.S. blockade.

May 3rd - According to Lighthouse Pro, as of 9:15 AM on May 3rd, the total box office of new films released during the 2026 May Day holiday (including previews and pre-sales) has exceeded 400 million yuan. The top five films at the box office are "The Vanished Man," "Cold War 1994," "The Devil Wears Prada 2," "10 Rooms," and "Letters to Grandma."

Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Basim Mohammed stated on Saturday that Iraq could restore its oil production and exports to normal levels within seven days once the Strait of Hormuz crisis ends. He indicated that current production is 1.5 million barrels per day, with approximately 200,000 barrels per day exported via Ceyhan; additionally, two oil tankers are on standby, and two more are expected to join, depending on the security situation in the strait.

Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting concludes.

Federal Reserve's Goolsby: Despite the heated discussion surrounding the construction of artificial intelligence centers, consumer demand remains the true driver of the economy.