Month: February 2025

India’s crude oil imports from Russia have reached their lowest level since January 2023 due to stringent US sanctions affecting supply chains. In February, imports decreased by 14.9% to about 1.4 million barrels a day, while shipments from Iraq and other countries increased to compensate for the reduced Russian supply.

India’s state-run refiners will fully commission the world’s longest liquefied petroleum gas pipeline by June, significantly reducing transportation costs and minimizing road accidents. The $1.3 billion project spans 2,800 kilometers from Kandla to Gorakhpur and will transport about 8.3 million tons of LPG annually, addressing increased fuel demand and lessening reliance on trucks.

Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep S Puri announced India’s plans to exceed a 20% ethanol blending target. He mentioned the establishment of a NITI Aayog committee for this initiative. Achievements include the present 19.6% blending rate and significant infrastructure projects. Assam’s Chief Minister outlined the state’s substantial contribution to India’s energy sector, including advancements in natural gas and green hydrogen.

India plans to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%, with a NITI Aayog committee exploring the feasibility. Currently, the blending rate stands at 19.6%. Petroleum Minister Hardeep S Puri mentioned that fossil fuel companies aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2045, despite developmental challenges.

EDF India has formed a strategic joint venture with Actis to deploy smart metering infrastructure under the National Smart Metering Project. This collaboration aims to enhance operational efficiencies, reduce losses, and improve billing accuracy, supporting India’s goal of deploying 250 million smart meters by 2025.

India aims to leverage its energy purchases in upcoming tariff negotiations with the US, planning to increase imports of US oil and gas to $25 billion. This strategy seeks to offset the higher freight costs by securing concessions on tariffs for Indian exports, addressing the trade imbalance between the two nations.

The US sanctioned over 30 individuals and vessels, including four Indian firms, for their role in the sale and shipping of Iranian oil. The sanctions come amid ongoing efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports, which primarily go to China using a network of shadowy intermediaries and vessels.

Power Mech Projects has secured a ₹164.63 crore order from BHEL for the 1600 MW DVC Koderma Thermal Power Station Phase-II EPC project. The contract includes design, engineering, supply, civil works, and commissioning and will be completed in 30 months.

Vedanta Group’s Cairn Oil & Gas commits ₹50,000 crore to oil and gas exploration in Assam and Tripura, enhancing local infrastructure with world-class E&P facilities. Prominent initiatives include setting up Nand Ghars, handloom skill centers, and digital classrooms. The project is set to produce 100,000 barrels per day, creating significant employment opportunities and promoting clean energy.

Sterlite Power has introduced two new corporate brands: Resonia for its transmission infrastructure business and Sterlite for manufacturing and services. This follows the demerger of its transmission operations and positions both entities to harness opportunities in the global energy transition. Resonia will focus on expanding transmission networks, while Sterlite will handle high-performance conductor and cable manufacturing.