The 6th Annual Global Refining Summit 2012 is the most important annual event for anyone involved in the refining and processing of hydrocarbons. The conference provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from top executives from the leading industry operators. This year the event focuses on: •How to achieve operational excellence •Best practices for bottom of the barrel •Improving energy efficiency in refineries •Excelling clean fuel production and maximising diesel production                                      It is a fact. The majority of refineries find it more and more difficult to keep refining margins high in the evolving markets. Environmental restrictions are impeding refineries’ upgrades. The quality of crude is declining, which puts an extra burden on the refinery for additional processing. Tighter product specifications and shifts in demand for lighter fuels require major investments into the infrastructure and technology, but uncertainty about future returns are holding back much needed capital spending. In addition to these challenges, the European refining sector is facing fierce competition from the emerging economies. The winners in this challenging sector will be those who are focused on delivering value added and are aggressive in reducing costs.