Field developments will be matched by investment in major transportation systems, either liquefied Natural Gas(LNG) or Pipeline, in regions such as SE Asia, South America and linking Central Asia / Middle East to Europe.

There is a long term trend of refineries being built more in developing and Petroleum producing countries and away from developed, consuming, countries, as producers seek to increase their added value and developing countries seek to reduce their dependence on imports.

The developed world's refineries operated efficiently and profitably while Oil prices were low (cheap feedstock) and supply readily available. Subsequently, with tight oil supplies, higher feedstock prices and pressure from consumers on prices, they are operating less profitably. However, refineries in other parts of the world, especially SE Asia, have suffered from low demand in recent years, leading to continuing low margins.

Demand for new refineries is limited, generally driven by national policies on adding value with products from Crude Oil, or meeting national demand for refined products from indigenous production capacity. However, there is an ongoing requirement for the upgrading of refineries to improve and revise the product mix and to meet more exacting environmental standards. The demands for different products in the automobile sector are an important driver in this.