Daily Update — August 25, 2026
Asia’s Shift to Online Shopping; Oil India's Hydrocarbon Strategy; and Mobile Satellite Trends
Today is Tuesday, August 25, 2026, and here’s your curated selection of Essential Intelligence on global markets from S&P Global. Subscribe to be notified of each new Daily Update.
Economy
Asia's digital economy benefits from the continued shift to online buying
There is a sustained shift toward online shopping in China, South Korea and India, although buying behaviors vary considerably across these markets, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Consumer Insights survey. China was the most online-centric market of the three countries, with 39% of surveyed adults favoring online purchases, compared with 32% for South Korea and 25% for India.
For digital payments, adoption is nearly universal across all three markets. In China, WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate, while Google Pay is the most widely used India. In South Korea, Naver Pay is the leading digital payment service. E-commerce platform preferences also reflect local market leaders: Flipkart and Amazon are the top choices in India, Taobao and JD.com are preferred in China, and Naver Shopping and Coupang are used most in South Korea.
Energy & Commodities
INDIA CEO SERIES: Oil India steps up domestic offshore drive, targets selective overseas assets
Oil India is pursuing domestic offshore exploration in high-risk basins while selectively expanding its overseas upstream assets. Chairman and Managing Director Ranjit Rath said that while domestic exploration is the company's priority, international exploration and production assets are crucial for portfolio diversification, access to larger resource bases, technology exposure and enhanced energy security.
To support domestic exploration, the Indian government launched the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, called Samudra Manthan, to offer financial support of up to 50% of deepwater drilling costs. This risk-sharing approach aims to encourage sustained investment, accelerate exploration and unlock India's offshore hydrocarbon resources, with the cabinet approving investments of up to 840 billion Indian rupees ($8.8 billion) over five years. The initiative is expected to add over 600 million metric tons of oil equivalent reserves by fiscal 2030-31.
The India CEO Series by S&P Global Energy is a compilation of exclusive interviews by Asia Energy Editor Sambit Mohanty with some of the leaders of the biggest energy companies in India.
Technology & Innovation
The Future of Mobile: Satellite Readies its Challenge
SpaceX's Starlink is pursuing the direct-to-device market with plans for a hybrid satellite-terrestrial network. However, it remains to be seen whether this initiative can compete with traditional carriers such as Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile. While Starlink has established a strong lead in rural connectivity, there is skepticism about its ability to overcome the significant technical challenges of dense urban markets.
In this episode of the "MediaTalk" podcast, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan Senior Research Analyst Lynette Luna joined host Mike Reynolds to explore SpaceX's ambitions in the mobile sector. The conversation highlights the intensifying competition in the direct-to-device sector, including Amazon's $10.9 billion acquisition of Globalstar and AST SpaceMobile's growing carrier partnerships. As the industry looks ahead to 6G, Luna and Reynolds discussed whether satellite-terrestrial hybrids will disrupt traditional mobile networks or be impeded by physical and economic barriers.
In case you missed it
- Ukraine eased customs procedures for imported diesel fuel from sanctioned ports and terminals, allowing unhindered clearance without extra checks or sampling, Enkorr reported.
- Singapore plans to enhance its competitiveness as an asset management hub through initiatives such as tax exemptions for fund managers, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
- Pertamina International Marketing and Distribution plans to make Singapore the first reference market for Indonesian biomethanol, according to managing director Aditya Prabowo.
Upcoming events
- Virtual Webinar Series with CFOs – Featuring Constellation Energy | August 27 (Webinar)
- Asia-Pacific Sovereign Rating Trends: Another K-Shape | September 1 (Webinar)
- Understanding Key Credit Risks in the Digital Infrastructure Sector | September 7 (Webinar)
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