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A consortium of U.S. and Saudi Arabian companies has moved ahead with plans to develop a US$5 billion integrated oil refinery and export corridor in the Gulf, aiming to strengthen regional energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on the strategically important Strait of Hormuz for crude exports. The project comes as geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt energy supply routes across the Middle East.
The proposed development will combine refining, storage and export infrastructure, enabling crude oil to be processed and shipped through alternative routes outside the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative is expected to improve supply chain resilience by providing an additional export channel for petroleum products while supporting uninterrupted access to global markets.
The project is being developed by the MERA Oil consortium, which comprises U.S. and Saudi partners. According to the consortium, the investment is intended to strengthen the Gulf's downstream energy capabilities at a time when regional producers are seeking to diversify export options amid continued security risks affecting maritime trade.
The refinery project aligns with a broader regional trend of investing in infrastructure that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Gulf countries have accelerated plans for new pipelines, export terminals and logistics corridors following repeated disruptions to shipping in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global energy trade, carrying a significant share of the world's oil exports. Recent geopolitical tensions have highlighted the vulnerability of this route, prompting governments and energy companies to pursue alternative transport and export networks to improve supply security and reduce operational risks.
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Nestlé India has elevated Jaikishan Gianani to the position of Head of Procurement for the South Asia region, effective 1st August 2026. Gianani brings extensive experience across procurement, supply chain operations, commodities and sustainability to the new leadership role. His career at Nestlé has included responsibilities spanning strategic sourcing, raw material procurement, packaging procurement, factory supply chain and supply chain projects. Over the years, he has worked across a broad range of procurement categories, including oils and fats, coffee, chicory, tea and other agricultural commodities. He has also handled global commodity procurement responsibilities covering regions across Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania. Gianani holds an MBA from S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research and a B.Tech degree from the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur. His experience extends beyond conventional sourcing. During his tenure as Head of Packaging Procurement and Lead for Sustainable Packaging in South Asia, he was involved in initiatives focused on packaging optimisation, recyclability and reducing the use of virgin plastic. His operational exposure also includes leadership of supply chain activities at Nestlé’s Nanjangud and Choladi factories, followed by a corporate procurement role. More recently, he has been associated with procurement of agri commodities and food ingredients at Nestlé. The new assignment places Gianani at the centre of Nestlé’s procurement agenda for South Asia, where supplier partnerships, commodity risk management, cost efficiency, sustainability and supply resilience remain important priorities. His experience across strategic sourcing and end-to-end supply chain functions is expected to support the company’s procurement objectives in the region. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India's e-commerce exports have the potential to grow by an additional USD 10 billion over the next two to three years, supported by the country's large base of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and increasing adoption of cross-border digital trade, according to a senior official from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Speaking at an industry event, Rajesh Kumar Mishra, Additional Director General at DGFT, said India is well positioned to expand its presence in global e-commerce exports by leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and growing network of online marketplaces. He noted that while countries such as China generate significantly higher e-commerce export volumes, India has considerable scope to scale up its cross-border trade. The projected growth is expected to be driven primarily by MSMEs, which account for a substantial share of India's manufacturing sector. Digital commerce platforms are enabling these businesses to reach international consumers directly, reducing barriers traditionally associated with overseas trade. Officials also highlighted the importance of strengthening the ecosystem supporting online exports. Efficient logistics, simplified regulatory compliance, digital onboarding, and competitive shipping solutions are expected to play a key role in helping small exporters expand their global footprint. Government-backed logistics providers, including India Post, were identified as important enablers for cost-effective delivery of small consignments to overseas markets. The growth outlook aligns with the government's broader objective of increasing India's export competitiveness through digital trade. As more businesses adopt e-commerce channels, online exports are expected to become an increasingly important contributor to the country's overall export basket, while creating new opportunities for MSMEs to access international markets. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
Safexpress is advancing an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven transformation of its logistics operations by integrating AI, automation and predictive analytics into its nationwide supply chain network, as the company seeks to improve operational efficiency, shipment visibility and decision-making across India's freight ecosystem. The company said it is developing an AI-first digital infrastructure capable of orchestrating complex logistics operations through real-time data processing and intelligent automation. The initiative focuses on connecting transportation, warehousing and distribution functions on a unified technology platform, enabling faster response to disruptions while improving resource utilisation and customer service. According to Safexpress, artificial intelligence is being deployed across several operational processes, including route optimisation, demand forecasting, predictive maintenance and shipment planning. The company is also using machine learning models to analyse large volumes of logistics data, helping improve delivery planning, network efficiency and asset utilisation across its nationwide operations. The digital transformation strategy builds on the company's earlier investments in cloud-native logistics technology, including its proprietary transportation management platform, PROPEL-i, which integrates core business functions and provides end-to-end shipment visibility. The platform supports dynamic pricing, demand management and operational transparency across the logistics network. Cybersecurity and data governance form another key pillar of the programme. Safexpress said it is strengthening compliance frameworks while implementing secure cloud infrastructure to protect operational data as digital adoption expands across its business. The company is also evaluating emerging technologies, including generative AI and intelligent automation, to further streamline logistics workflows and enhance customer engagement. Alongside technology investments, Safexpress is modernising its IT architecture to improve scalability and support future business growth. The roadmap includes wider adoption of cloud computing, enhanced analytics capabilities and tighter integration between digital systems to enable real-time operational decision-making across its logistics network. Industry experts view AI-enabled logistics as an increasingly important competitive differentiator, particularly as supply chains become more data-intensive and customer expectations shift towards faster, more predictable deliveries. Technologies such as predictive analytics, automation and intelligent route planning are expected to play a growing role in reducing logistics costs while improving service reliability. Safexpress said its long-term technology strategy is centred on creating a resilient, data-driven logistics ecosystem capable of supporting India's expanding manufacturing, retail and e-commerce sectors. By embedding AI across core logistics processes, the company aims to strengthen supply chain resilience while improving operational agility in an increasingly complex freight environment. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
