Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes providing a loan or line of credit (LOC) to a purchaser to financing the cost of purchasing a retail commodity price protection contract. A new financial instrument is created bundling the loan or LOC and the retail commodity price protection contract. The method also includes allowing the purchaser to draw on a trust (that may have been created with proceeds from the loan) to purchase the retail commodity. The retail commodity price protection contract may specify a forward position, which may be selected by the customer, associated with the retail commodity. According to the forward position specified in the retail commodity price protection contract, a price protection service provider provides price protection to the customer against variability in the price of the retail commodity. The loan or LOC may be provided by a financial institution or the price protection service provider.

Abstract: A system and method for driving commodity consumers to selective locations allows an operator of a price protection product to enter into agreements with locations offering a commodity such that the locations provide incentives for purchasers or consumers of the commodity to purchase the commodity at the location. The operator of the price protection system may enter into agreements with purchasers to provide information about the locations offering the incentives.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the provisioning of price protection contracts which provide price protection against adverse fluctuations in the retail price of a commodity to a consumer are disclosed. While these price protection contracts may pertain to almost any type of commodity, certain embodiments of the present invention may provide systems and method for allowing a consumer to obtain price protection on the purchase of fuel. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may provide the ability for fleet managers to obtain a price protection contract for the purchase of fuel where the price protection contract specifies at least one lock price, quantity, locale and time period such that the price protection contract may guarantee the right to aggregately purchase the quantity of fuel in the locale at the lock price during the time period.