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Crippling Heat Deepens Asia’s Reliance on Russian Energy

  • Soaring temperatures putting strain on region’s power grids
  • Weather-driven demand to increase use of coal, gas, fuel oil
A farmer collects okra during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season in Selangor, Malaysia, on May 20.
A farmer collects okra during the ongoing Southwest Monsoon season in Selangor, Malaysia, on May 20.Photographer: Samsul Said/Bloomberg
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The extreme heat that’s been scorching Asia in recent weeks has produced one clear beneficiary — Russia.

As countries across the region scramble to make sure they have enough coal, gas and fuel oil to keep the lights on and air conditioners running, Russian energy being shunned by the West is looking increasingly attractive.