Think big for cashless payments

The concept of cashless transactions appeals to consumers and suppliers alike. It reduces the overheads of handling cash, cuts down on the risk of theft, and the inconvenience of having to find the right amount of change for a vending or car park machine. However, there are a few things that every organization should know about cashless payments before committing to such a scheme.

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The future of the global refinery industry lies in developing economies

Facing declining margins, looming refinery overcapacity and divestitures, the global refinery industry seems to be in a state of reinvention. Datamonitor analysis observes that the future of this industry lies in emerging and developing economies, with investment in infrastructure, energy efficiency and expansion being the most likely route to success.

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Shell: increased preparations ahead of 2009 hurricane season

After destructive hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico in recent years, and with insurance both less available and more expensive, Shell Oil has taken a proactive approach to storm preparation for the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season. However, while a hurricane would severely impact US gasoline and natural gas prices, it would have a surprisingly minor effect on the wider oil economy.

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Record liquefied natural gas production, but downstream activities are being neglected

LNG production and exploration has increased significantly since 2010, with the top five global fuel retailers making it a major part of their future strategies. These companies have focused on upstream production of LNG, but are neglecting the retail distribution infrastructure and the relative lack of vehicle manufacturers that make natural-gas-powered vehicles.

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Oil price hike driving demand for CNG/LPG cars in India

The recent hike in oil prices in India has led to a sudden increase in demand for CNG/LPG cars. In order to cater for the growing demand for such cars and to cash in on this opportunity, vehicle manufacturers have launched CNG/LPG variants of their existing models. However, the lack of support infrastructure, such as filling stations, could hamper the growth of these cars in the country.

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New food review: watermelons shaping up to provide a refreshing alternative

Some unusual fruit products have been noted by Productscan this month, such as carbon dioxide injected fresh fruit, square watermelons and sausages filled with goji berries, a so-called super-fruit. The release of these products highlights the growing consumer interest in healthier food options, with manufacturers seeking innovative ways to present their offerings to appeal to this growing trend.

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New food launches May-Jul: a fresh look at fish

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New drinks review: El Paso launches quick fix cocktail mix

A range of novel drinks packagings have been noted by Productscan Online this month, which are designed to improve the taste of the product and its ability to stand out from the crowd. These include Coors' new beer can and Hain's Smoothies with a 4-way turbo straw. Some unusual dairy products have also recently been launched, from milk made from Kamut wheat, to a cucumber-flavored cow's milk.

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LPG demand: South Korea and Australia show the way

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International oil companies: a new vision for biofuels

Royal Dutch Shell's new joint venture with the Brazilian sugar and biofuel goliath Cosan is indicative of a wider industry trend, with international oil companies seeing biofuels as an increasingly attractive investment alternative. Although significant barriers to the uptake of biofuels remain, the participation of these companies could symbolize a new vision for biofuels worldwide.

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