Considering the startling events taking place today throughout the entire Arab world, we appear to be on the cusp of monumental upheaval resulting from the almost certain—perhaps drastic—decrease in the production and therefore availability of petrochemicals of all sorts. Depending on the how precipitous the drop in production may be, it could take months—even years—for the regulating valve of pricing to kick in and stabilize the supply versus demand situation, so the main concern may not be one of cost, but availability of a whole range of critical materials…fuel at the forefront.
Of course it remains to be seen just how catastrophic the situation will actually become, but no matter what, we’re in for a bumpy ride that will affect every aspect of our lives…fuel, food, services, commodities of all sorts, and—as is the issue at stake in the Arab world—perhaps even the very fabric of our society.
Certainly, efficiency at every level will be critical to your business’ success or even survival as things unfold, which brings me to some thoughts about the importance of our June Technology issue where each of the categories we’ve staked out for discussion involves efficiency and, in turn, fuel savings.
Basing things on only a mild disruption in the flow of petrochemicals from the Middle East—face it, a major disruption is too calamitous to consider—I’d like you to give thought as to the role technologies of all sorts may play in making your business more secure in the face of future uncertainties.
Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share? Am I overreacting? Out of my tree?
Let us hear from you.