Papua LNG Deal Update: Santos is set to lift its Papua LNG stake to 21% by buying an extra 3.3% from TotalEnergies for about US$189m, as TotalEnergies transfers operatorship to ExxonMobil ahead of a Final Investment Decision targeted for Q4 2026. Operatorship & Ownership Shuffle: TotalEnergies will sell a 9.1% stake to partners (post Kumul back-in) while keeping 20% and its LNG offtake, leaving ExxonMobil with operatorship and a larger share. State Protections in Marketing: Kumul Petroleum Holdings says an amended marketing agreement with TotalEnergies strengthens PNG governance, including unanimous consent for key pricing matters and protections for state commercial interests. Public Finance Digitisation: PNG signed a three-year K26m deal with TechnologyOne to support and expand its Integrated Financial Management System nationwide, including cybersecurity, cloud services and an AI “plain language” tool for financial records. Consumer & Competition Oversight: PNG’s ICCC launched its 2026–2030 corporate plan, prioritising consumer protection, competition enforcement and targeted support for women and disadvantaged consumers. Urban Security Warning: Commentary flags that road expansion under Connect PNG must come with security upgrades, or new corridors could fuel crime and tribal violence. El Niño Watch: Climate reporting says the 2026–27 El Niño is strengthening, with sea temperatures far above prior record events—raising risks for Pacific weather and fuel, water and food pressures.