July 15, 20:12

China's 40% drop in oil imports helps curb global energy prices

Raw oil imports into China reached their lowest level in a decade in June, marking a significant decline that has contributed to stabilizing energy prices amid the escalating conflict between the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Import Data and Suppliers

According to customs data from China published on Tuesday, the volume of crude oil imports was 29.27 million tons annually, reflecting a 41 percent decrease. This figure is the lowest since October 2016. China is the world's largest oil importer. Last year, the country purchased an average of 11.6 million barrels of crude oil per day, with Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and Brazil among its main suppliers. For comparison, China's oil import volumes exceed the combined imports of France, the UK, and Germany.

Energy experts explain that China's decision to sharply reduce oil imports is one of the key factors keeping energy prices under control amidst the war between the US and Israel against Iran. China is a major buyer of Iranian and Saudi Arabian oil exports, and Beijing accumulated significant crude oil reserves before the war began. Experts note that the reduction in imports is due to a number of reasons, including a serious slowdown in China's economic growth. However, there are signs that China has replaced crude oil with coal: according to customs data, imports of the latter rose by 30 percent, reaching a five-month high.

Despite China providing weapons and satellite technology to Iran in the initial days of US attacks, the slowdown in Chinese crude oil imports helps restrain global energy prices while the US and Iran intensify their confrontation. The US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to extend the spring truce and begin negotiations regarding the nuclear program and governance of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange for ceasing attacks and allowing ships to pass through Hormuz without paying duties, Iran was granted a temporary waiver of sanctions. Nevertheless, clashes between the parties have intensified in recent weeks. Iran attacked ships belonging to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE passing through the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters. Tehran claims that these ships did not coordinate passage with it, as required by the MoU. Furthermore, the agreement does not oblige ships to pass through Iranian territorial waters. The US provided escort for ships in this waterway and resumed strikes against Iran. On Tuesday, the US once again imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and shipping.

Oil prices rose from $69 per barrel to $79 amid the fighting, but even this level is considered moderate. The overall limited rise in oil prices prevents the war from spreading to the global economy. This may give President Donald Trump time to continue attacks while simultaneously depriving Iran of an important lever of pressure. Just last month, when the ink on the MoU had barely dried, inflation in the US decreased, aided by falling gasoline prices in America. Before the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February, gasoline prices were around $3 per gallon. Today, they fluctuate around $3.87 per gallon on average. This still represents a 30 percent increase, but in June, gasoline prices fell by 10 percent, according to the US inflation report released this week.

autopapo.com.brJuly 16, 02:00

ConectCar launches solution for automatic toll collection for motorcycles on Free Flow highways

ConectCar has introduced ConectCar Free Flow Moto, which is the first solution in the Brazilian market dedicated to automating the payment of motorcycle tolls on highways operating under the Free Flow system.

How the New Technology Works

This technology, which is initially being tested with a specific group of clients, eliminates the need for manual payment after passing through the toll booths and reduces the risk of motorcyclists receiving fines for non-payment.

Problems with Manual Payment

Currently, those traveling by motorcycle on Free Flow highways without a tag must identify the concessionaire responsible for the stretch, access the payment channels, and settle the toll within a maximum period of 30 days. If this period is exceeded, the situation is classified as toll evasion, according to Article 209-A of the Brazilian Traffic Code. This serious infraction results in a fine of R$ 195.23 and the addition of five points to the driver's license.

The complexity of this procedure has caused difficulties, leading the federal government to suspend over 3 million such fines at the beginning of 2026, highlighting the need that the new tool aims to solve.

How to Use the Solution

With ConectCar Free Flow Moto, the user only needs to register their motorcycle's license plate on the company's platform. Based on this registration, the system automatically identifies passage through the Free Flow stretches and charges the toll using the balance available in the ConectCar account, dispensing with any action from the driver during or after the trip.

Launch Phase and Compatibility

The service will be made available in MVP (Minimum Viable Product) format, a phase focused on validation and continuous improvement of the technology. Initially, the functionality will be limited to a selected group of clients who will receive an invitation to participate.

The solution is compatible with highways that already charge tolls for motorcycles in Free Flow, covering stretches managed by concessionaires such as CCR RioSP, Caminhos da Serra Gaúcha, and EPR Sul Minas, among others. It is important to note that it does not operate at traditional toll plazas with physical barriers, nor in parking lots.

This launch accompanies the expansion of the free flow model in the country, which currently covers more than 19 highways and has increased the demand for simpler payment methods due to the absence of booths and barriers.

ConectCar's Positioning

ConectCar reports having a presence on 100% of tolled highways and in over 1,300 parking lots nationwide. Furthermore, the company is responsible for the tag technology used by institutions such as Itaú and Porto. With this innovation, the company expands its scope beyond tag-based solutions, strengthening its position as a technology provider for urban mobility.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 16, 01:54

Nubank Customers Report Pix Service Failures on Wednesday (15)

Thousands of Nubank users reported difficulties with the platform during the night of this Wednesday, the 15th. The greatest customer dissatisfaction is related to the functioning of Pix, which was experiencing failures.

Complaint Monitoring

The Downdetector website, which monitors the real-time status of various services and platforms, registered almost three thousand complaints from Nubank users regarding these issues.

Social Media Manifestations

Social media also recorded several complaints about the Pix issue.

Entity Statements

Olhar Digital contacted both the Central Bank (BC) to verify if Pix was facing problems on other platforms, and Nubank itself. The bank informed that it is aware of a temporary instability and is actively working to restore services as quickly as possible. An official statement from the Central Bank is still awaited.

olhardigital.com.brJuly 16, 01:23

Xiaomi presents selection of smartphones with good cost-benefit available on Amazon

Xiaomi has strengthened its presence in the Brazilian market by offering devices that combine contemporary design, good performance, and ample storage capacity. For those looking for a new phone, three options from the brand have been selected, currently available on Amazon, all equipped with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal memory.

Featured Xiaomi Models

The Redmi Note 15 was launched to reinforce Xiaomi's mid-range category, maintaining the configuration of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This setup ensures smooth navigation between applications, in addition to offering plenty of space for photos and games. Its black version gives it a sober yet stylish appearance.

Redmi 15C Options

The Redmi 15C model in Midnight Black offers an affordable alternative without compromising the robust specifications of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM, making it suitable for daily use. It is recommended for those who wish to start with the Redmi line with good performance and a discreet look.

Additionally, there is the Redmi 15C in Moonlight Blue, ideal for those who prefer a touch of color. Maintaining the same RAM and storage specifications as the other models in the line, this bluish version stands out for its vibrant finish.

Availability and Notice

It is important to note that stock in promotions like these tends to sell out quickly on Amazon. Therefore, if any of these devices spark interest, it is recommended to check availability immediately. The article also informs that it contains links generated by an affiliate program, but emphasizes that this does not change the value for the consumer.