Fuel Costs: Aruba confirms a major jump in retail fuel prices effective Aug. 12, with premium unleaded up 25.1 cents to 290.9 cents/liter and ULS diesel up 29.7 cents to 286.3 cents/liter—raising the cost of a 30-liter fill by about 7.50 florins. Tourism Trade & Growth: Aruba will participate in HUB Cámara Santo Domingo 2026 (Sept. 9-10) to build new commercial ties and diversify supply sources. Local Business Climate: Government reports 242 permits for new businesses in the first half of 2026, with activity spanning real estate, construction, e-commerce and more. San Nicolas Push: New tax incentives aim to spur property owners and businesses to invest in San Nicolas, with a longer-term redevelopment plan including the former refinery site. Governance & Rule of Law: Parliamentarians Eduard Pieters and others keep pressing for clarity on government decisions and spending, including questions tied to ATA waste-management contracts and transparency requests. Underwater Heritage: Aruba launches a new chapter in protecting its underwater cultural heritage via an international mapping and research expedition along the coastline. Regional Demand: A report says Caribbean travel during hurricane season is up 21% year-on-year, as lower fares and resort rates draw visitors.