Fuel Crisis in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia is seeing fuel shortages as gasoline sales switch to even/odd license-plate days and purchases are capped at 50,000 tugriks per transaction, with long lines reported nationwide; officials link the crunch to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle East instability, and say supplies should rise from mid-August. COP17 Logistics: Ahead of UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar (Aug. 17–28), special passenger transport rules start Aug. 13, including free shuttle buses from Chinggis Khaan Airport and hotel-to-venue routes for badge holders, plus traffic restrictions around major markets. Urban Housing Push: Ulaanbaatar’s City Council approved the “Selbe Smart City” special economic zone, targeting 45,000 residents and about 16,000 jobs, with construction and utilities work underway. Sports Spotlight: Mongolia won bronze at the Asian Eastern Zonal Men’s Volleyball Championship in Ulaanbaatar, while the 11th Asian Taekwondo Championships concluded with Mongolia taking second in overall team standings. Environment Loss: Former Environment Minister and meteorology expert Batjargal Zamba died Aug. 6, prompting condolences across Mongolia’s environmental community. Energy Storage Buildout: Work is underway on 22 petroleum product storage facilities, with some expected to be operational within days to help stabilize fuel availability.