Here’s an interesting look at the peculiar personalities that often accompany top leadership in major oil producing countries like Russia, Iran and Venezuela. “If oil is a factor in the petrostate personality, one might ask whether we might see some change in the leaders, since oil prices have tanked by about 40% in the last six months. So far, all three mentioned above have suggested a plot in the oil market afoot to scupper their states, and vowed not to be so easily cowed.” [Quartz]

And speaking of Russia, currency troubles appear set to send bread prices higher despite a bumper wheat crop this year. Inflation is expected to hit 10% by year end. Soaring bread prices have sowed revolution in Egypt historically, so Russia’s weak ruble and economic malaise are likely behind Putin’s scapegoating of the west. “Grain prices are linked to the international dollar-denominated market, the head of Russia’s Grain Union, Arkady Zlochevsky, told Kommersant. With the Russian ruble down 40 percent against the dollar this year and still falling, prices inside Russia are rising.” [Moscow Times]

Although still a small percentage of overall US vehicle ownership, the number of plug-in electric vehicles is sharply increasing, which increases demand for public and home EV charging infrastructure. In response, many states are incentivizing charging station construction with generous tax credits. “Some of the tax incentives that states have added this year are pretty generous — Maryland, Louisiana, New York and Washington, D.C. now all offer tax credits of up to 50 percent of the cost of a home or public station. Oklahoma offers a 75 percent rebate. Most of the tax credits work out to between $5,000 and $10,000 for businesses.” [Fuel Fix]