BIOFUEL PRODUCTION IN INDIA
Nitin Gadkari says new Toyota Innova to be launched on November 26, running cost to be just Rs 25 per liter
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced that Toyota will launch a new bioethanol-powered Innova in India on November 26. The vehicle will run entirely on 100% bioethanol and generate nearly 60% of its power through electricity while driving. Gadkari claims its effective running cost could be equivalent to just Rs 25-30 per litre of petrol, potentially offering significant savings to motorists. The announcement comes as the government promotes alternative fuels to reduce India's dependence on conventional petrol and diesel.
Drought threatens India's 20% ethanol blending target as food takes priority
India faces a significant challenge in its ethanol production due to the lowest monsoon rainfall experienced in over a decade. This situation has prompted New Delhi to prioritize food security over its ethanol blending targets. Estimates suggest that the ethanol blending ratio may decrease this supply year from 20% to around 15%. Producers are being squeezed by increased corn prices and reduced purchasing prices for ethanol.
Rs 600 for 1,000 km journey: Nitin Gadkari proposes Rs 3 per unit for EV charging at night and Rs 5 during the day to boost electric vehicle adoption
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has suggested Maharashtra Chief Minister to charge Rs 3 per unit for electric vehicle (EV) charging at night and Rs 5 during the day to encourage EV adoption. At the proposed night-time rate, an electric car delivering 5 km per unit could travel 1,000 km for just Rs 600. Gadkari said cheaper night-time electricity could make EVs more attractive to buyers.
Global oil sanctions and chokepoints a means to hold prices hostage: Jaishankar
Addressing the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta on Friday (US time), he said the world was facing an energy crisis driven not by a lack of production but by unpredictability, supply disruptions, unaffordable costs and difficulties in access.
EAM Jaishankar slams sanctions, chokepoints disrupting global energy trade, holding prices hostage
S Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by disruptions in global oil supplies during the G20 meeting. He pointed out that the current energy crisis results from unpredictability and significant disruptions. Jaishankar emphasized the need for the G20 to ensure that energy markets remain open and predictable. He also mentioned India's efforts in critical minerals and the necessity for reliable energy supplies.
Why is Adani betting $3.4 billion on global energy trade chaos?
Adani Group is reportedly exploring a $3.4 billion acquisition of Dutch energy storage giant VTTI as global oil supply disruptions reshape energy trade. With terminals across 16 countries, VTTI could expand Adani Ports' international footprint, strengthen crude oil storage and logistics capabilities, and unlock opportunities in fuel trading, biofuels, hydrogen infrastructure and global energy supply chains amid geopolitical uncertainty.
- Go To Page 1
Bihar unveils 1,670-acre manufacturing city with Rs 16,500 crore investment potential
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary launched the logo and portal for the integrated manufacturing city in Gayaji. This project aims to attract Rs 16,500 crore in investments while generating approximately 1.1 lakh jobs for local youth. The Bihar government is acquiring 13,500 acres for industrial development which is expected to conclude by January 2027. Furthermore, services linking Gaya to international destinations like Dubai and Kathmandu are planned.
AI responsibility must be natively built & community-driven: Google DeepMind’s Lila Ibrahim
As chief AI readiness officer, Lila Ibrahim mandate is to help prepare society for increasingly capable AI by bringing together governments, businesses, researchers, and communities to understand how the technology should be developed and deployed.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India expects FY27 domestic sales volume at 6 million units
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India aims to increase domestic sales to 6 million units by March 2027. The company reported a 13.5 percent rise in dispatches in the first half of FY27. Honda's market share currently stands at approximately 25 percent in India. Additionally, they plan to expand production capacity to 8 million units by 2028.
Beyond Oil: How bioenergy investments can rebalance India-Russia trade
Russia now exports more than $60 billion worth of goods annually to India, primarily crude oil, petroleum products, coal, and fertilisers.
Swan Defence shares rise 4% to hit 52-week high on Rs 1,897 crore tanker order prospect
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries shares rose after the company emerged as the lowest bidder for a Rs 1,897 crore order to build four medium-range product tankers. The proposed contract could strengthen its order book amid India's push to revive domestic shipbuilding.
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd set to win Rs 1,897 crore tanker order
Swan Defence and Heavy Industries Ltd is set to secure a major contract with state-owned companies for the construction of four dual-fuel ready Medium Range product tankers. By offering a more competitive price than Cochin Shipyard Ltd, SDHI has positioned itself favorably. This upcoming order not only bolsters the company’s portfolio since it resumed operations but also heralds a new era for India's shipbuilding sector, propelled by government support.
Cheaper to run, but costlier to buy? New CAFE III rules kick in from April 2027; here's how your next car could be affected
India’s CAFE III fuel-efficiency norms will take effect from April 1, 2027, tightening fleet-average targets for automakers until March 2032. The rules offer incentives for electric vehicles, hybrids, flex-fuel cars and fuel-saving technologies. But will they make cars cheaper to run or push up showroom prices? Here’s how the new standards could affect vehicle costs and what buyers should consider before purchasing their next car.
The sheer energy India brings with it
India has provided power connections to over 300 million people since 2015 and improved gas supply accessibility. The country has installed 160 GW of solar panels, achieving its renewable targets ahead of schedule. India is also pursuing a tenfold increase in its nuclear energy capacity by 2047. Additionally, India has strengthened its petroleum refining capacity to enhance fuel supply security.
Industry body urges cooking oil firms to pass on import duty cut to consumers as festive season nears
Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association calls on companies to reduce retail prices following recent government duty cuts. The duty reductions aim to provide consumers relief during the approaching festive season when demand rises. Companies are expected to submit their retail pricing weekly to ensure transparency in the market. Global price volatility has affected domestic edible oil prices, contributing to inflation pressures on consumers.
China fuel export suspension to choke supplies in Asia
China's recent export restrictions on oil products have affected several major importers in Southeast Asia and Australia. Singapore has seen a significant drop in gasoline imports from China this year, while Australia remains a key destination for jet fuel imports. The situation has led to increased pricing pressures as Asian refiners respond to tighter supplies. Local authorities in Australia affirm that current fuel stock levels are adequate despite these changes.
CAFE III fuel efficiency norms notified for cars: 3x credit for battery EVs, no special benefit for small cars
The Indian government has announced Corporate Average Fuel Economy norms for passenger vehicles effective from April 2027. These standards include fuel consumption calculations based on various vehicle types, including electric and hybrid models. Manufacturers must report CO2 emissions and actual fuel consumption annually to ensure compliance. A system of credits and debits will be established for vehicle manufacturers based on their compliance levels.
Mass market automakers gaining ground in the premium segment; Mercedes, BMW work out different strategies to drive growth
India’s luxury car market remains around 1% of passenger vehicle sales, but competition is widening as brands such as Toyota, Kia, MG and BYD have entered the premium segment with high-priced models.
First-ever full toll suspension: Expressway develops defects weeks after opening; NHAI bans concessionaire for 3 years, seeks Rs 42 lakh daily compensation
NHAI PNC Infratech Ban: Following the inauguration of the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway, significant defects were reported, prompting the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to bar PNC Infratech from bidding for its projects for three years. Several sections of the expressway suffered premature failures, leading to the suspension of toll collection, while PNC Infratech is required to compensate NHAI for the lost toll revenue on a daily basis. The company’s shares also fell sharply after the NHAI action was disclosed.
View: As oil tops $100, India needs a wider, smarter fuel security strategy
Rising oil prices necessitate energy supply diversification and alternate fuel adoption. India is urging the auto industry for flexi-fuel vehicle timelines and promoting ethanol blending. Exploring iso-butanol and methanol blending offers further emission reduction and import substitution. Second-generation biorefineries are crucial for scaling up compressed biogas production. Strategic oil reserves and domestic exploration are also vital for energy security.
India highlights energy security, clean power and emerging tech at G20 Energy meeting in Houston
India's Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addressed G20 energy meetings. He highlighted India's significant progress in energy security and clean energy expansion. The minister also discussed regulatory efficiency improvements and digital platforms used. Bilateral talks focused on emerging energy technologies and cooperation with US and Canada. India reaffirmed its commitment to a balanced and future-ready energy strategy.
A dozen ingredients show India's mounting food inflation risk
India’s everyday thali is getting costlier as weak monsoon rains, the Iran and Ukraine wars and rising demand for crops used in biofuels push up food prices. Onions are nearly 50% more expensive than a year ago and ginger has surged over 70%, adding pressure on households just as the festive season begins.
Scientists, activists urge govt to halt E20 rollout, enact anti-black magic law
Prominent scientists and activists have urged the government to halt E20 fuel rollout. They also called for scrapping the National Testing Agency due to recent issues. A nationwide anti-black magic law was demanded to combat superstition. Public policies should be guided by scientific evidence and research funding increased. The collective advocated for science adoption to secure India's future.
Govt working to allow ethanol blending beyond E20 via flexi-fuel vehicles: PM Advisor
India plans to allow ethanol blending beyond the E20 level soon. Flexi-fuel vehicles will enable higher blending percentages for greater fuel independence. The government is also exploring biofuel additives for the diesel segment. Ethanol manufacturers are encouraged to diversify into compressed biogas production. Existing investments in the biofuels sector will face no uncertainty.
Government should adopt flexible approach to ethanol-blended petrol programme: ICRIER paper
A research paper recommends flexibility in India's ethanol blending program targets. It suggests maintaining E20 as a long-term goal while allowing temporary E15 reductions. This approach would respond to agricultural shocks and manage economic costs effectively. The paper advocates for a flexible feedstock strategy to avoid food market pressure.
India's shift to biofuels will lead to energy security, says top PM advisor
India is accelerating its shift to alternative fuels, with biofuels such as ethanol, methanol and butanol expected to play a key role in energy security. Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Sood said India is advancing biodiesel, bio-jet fuel and green hydrogen technologies. The government is also promoting biogasification and rationalising biofuel pricing to drive wider adoption and sustainability.
How BRICS can become a platform that helps businesses build together
When consensus is required among all BRICS members, outcomes tend to settle at the lowest common denominator. These include knowledge exchange, working groups, joint statements. They are useful but don't move the real economy. This happens through businesses. So, the question to ask is: does BRICS help build projects, reduce costs, deepen markets or secure supply chains? If not, it risks becoming a talking shop.
Five-year fuel contract with Mauritius: IndianOil turns 25-year presence into strategic foothold
India has signed a five-year fuel supply agreement with Mauritius under which IndianOil will meet the island’s entire import requirement of fuels, marking the first such long-term deal with a country outside South Asia and signalling India’s emergence as a trusted energy supplier in the Indian Ocean.
Why Giorgia Meloni's four-year milestone matters far beyond Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration has fostered remarkable stability, dramatically enhancing Italy's international role. One of the most significant developments is the establishment of a Special Strategic Partnership with India, which allows Italy to actively participate in crucial global initiatives. This continuity enables Italy to assert itself more robustly in both European and worldwide conversations.
Load More
