Latest news with #UnionMinistryofPetroleumandNaturalGas
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
TN must initiate alternative alignment for IDPL project, Petroleum Ministry tells farmer delegation
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has, in response to representation by farmers from the Western districts of Tamil Nadu for shifting of a 70-km stretch of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited's IDPL (Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline) project from agricultural lands to the roadside of the national highway, taken a stand that the power for deciding on the alignment of the pipeline vests with the State Government. A delegation led by Eesan Murugasamy of Tamil Nadu Farmers' Protection Association that called on Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi in New Delhi earlier this month had reiterated its resolve to block the project, if a solution is not found. The delegation cited the impending projects by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for construction of bypass roads for Palladam, Kangayam and Vellakovil towns, to buttress their demand for laying of the pipelines along the roadside. The farmers said their earlier request for laying of the pipelines along National Highway 81 from Coimbatore to Karur was not accepted by the officials implementing the project on the ground that the pipelines could not be laid inside the three urban pockets (Palladam, Kangayam and Vellakovil) for security reasons. At the meeting facilitated by Tamil Maanila Congress leader G.K. Vasan, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas D.K. Ojha, told the farmers that the change in the alignment for the IDPL project along roadside would hinge on the approval of the Tamil Nadu Government for the proposed change in the alignment. The IDPL project, planned for a 270-km stretch from Muthur in Tiruppur district to Devakondi in Karnataka envisages laying of a second pipeline alongside an existing one laid 22 years ago across farmlands to a 70-km stretch from Irugur in Coimbatore district to Muthur in Tiruppur district for the oil pipeline project of Petronet CCK Limited. Due to the pipeline, the value of farmland had fallen down drastically, and even division of inheritance of the farmland with pipeline beneath has become tough. Stating that the affected farmers have been taking part in a sit-in protest for over 260 days, the delegation justified its decision to block the project if no remedial action is taken.
New Indian Express
14-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Centre flags ethanol levy as threat to green fuel mission, urges Punjab, Haryana, Himachal to reconsider fees
CHANDIGARH: The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has written to the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, urging them to reconsider the fee levied on ethanol production in their respective excise policies, warning that the move may hamper the ethanol blending programme and escalate fuel prices. The ministry, in its letters to these state governments, stated that the provision to levy a Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass) in their excise policies could restrict the free movement of ethanol within and outside the states. This, it noted, would ultimately increase the cost of ethanol-blended petrol. The letters were addressed individually by Additional Secretary in the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Parveen M Khanooja. The letter to Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena was sent on March 27, followed by a letter to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha on April 8, and another to Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on May 23. This newspaper has copies of all three letters. Interestingly, of the three states, Punjab has an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Himachal Pradesh is governed by the Congress, while Haryana is ruled by the BJP. 'It has been brought to the ministry's notice by oil marketing companies (OMCs) that as per the excise policy 2025–27 of Haryana state, there is a substantial increase in the licence fee/annual renewal fee for distilleries. Also, the aforesaid policy has introduced a fee of Rs 1 per bulk litre (BL) for issuance of pass for ethanol for mixing in petrol for use as automobile fuel." "Additionally, an import duty of Rs 1.20 per bulk litre has also been levied. Given that ethanol is already subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST), imposing an additional excise duty would constitute double taxation, which runs contrary to sound taxation principles and could be legally untenable, especially for a production crucial to a national programme like the ethanol blended petrol programme. "Furthermore, the increased costs resulting from the proposed fees and duty in excise policy 2025–27 are likely to raise the price of ethanol-blended petrol. Haryana and Punjab appear to be the sole states where such levies on ethanol specifically meant for blending with petrol have been imposed,' states the letter written to Rastogi by Khanooja.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Centre asks Punjab govt to reconsider fee levied on ethanol production
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has written a letter to Punjab government asking it to reconsider the fee which has been levied in the state's excise policy on production of ethanol. The letter, accessed by The Indian Express, has been written by Praveen M Khanooja, Additional Secretary in the petroleum ministry to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha on April 8. The letter states that the provision to levy Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass fee) in Excise Policy 2025-26 may restrict free movement of ethanol within and outside the state, which will further increase the cost of ethanol blended petrol. 'It has been brought to the Ministry's notice by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) that as per the excise policy of Punjab state, there is a substantial increase in the license fee, annual renewal fee and capacity enhancement fee for Distilleries (Part D, Para 6 a & b of Punjab's Excise Policy). Also, Para 29 'Regulatory fee on ethanol' of the Policy makes a provision to levy Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass fee) @ Rs. 1 per Bulk Litre,' read the letter. The petroleum ministry pointed out that the Union government has been promoting ethanol blending in petrol to give boost to domestic agricultural sector and associated environment benefits. 'Over the last one decade, ethanol blending has improved from 1.5 per cent to more than 18 per cent and the country is on course to achieve the 20 per cent blending target by Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. Punjab has made significant contributions to the success of this programme by achieving a blending percentage of 18.8 per cent in ESY 2024-25, as on March 2025,' the letter adds. It goes on to add apart from augmenting distillation capacities of existing plants, dedicated ethanol plants are being commissioned in Punjab providing employment opportunities and giving boost to circular economy. 'The increased fee in the Excise Policy 2025-26 is likely to increase the cost of ethanol blended petrol, affecting the viability of ethanol producers/suppliers and OMCs. The provision to levy Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass fee) in Excise Policy may restrict free movement of ethanol within and outside the state, which will increase the cost of ethanol blended petrol,' Khanooja says in the letter. The petroleum ministry official urged the Chief Secretary to review the Excise Policy and reconsider any levy/fee on fuel ethanol production/consumption/transportation in Punjab to facilitate smooth off take and free movement of green fuel ethanol for the benefit of environment and farmers. The dual benefits of ethanol blending — reducing carbon emissions and supporting the agricultural economy — have been highlighted by experts since long. By promoting maize cultivation, the initiative aims to provide farmers with an alternative crop, ensuring income stability while contributing to environmental sustainability through cleaner fuel alternatives. Ministry officials say achieving the 20 per cent ethanol blending target will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and align with India's climate goals. 'Increased maize cultivation and ethanol production will create employment opportunities in Punjab, particularly through the establishment of dedicated ethanol plants. Encouraging maize cultivation may diversify Punjab's agricultural landscape, reducing dependence on traditional crops like wheat and paddy, which could lead to more sustainable farming practices,' the official added.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Fishers oppose hydrocarbon project at Wadge Bank in Kanniyakumari
Opposition to the proposed hydrocarbon exploration project in the waters of Kanniyakumari has increased among fishers in the region. According to them, though the project had been planned at 35 nautical miles from the shore, the designated area was a vital fishing ground. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had issued a notice inviting bids under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy for exploration of oil and natural gas from three areas in South of Cape Comorin, covering 27,154.80 sq km. Of the three proposed sites, one spans 9,514.63 sq km and the other two, 9,844.72 sq. km and 7,795.45 sq. km respectively. Marine area The region selected for exploration includes the Wadge Bank — a marine area in south of Cape Comorin, rich in fishery resources. Spanning approximately 10,000 sq km, it has long served as an abundant fishing ground. Fishermen associations fear that implementing the project in such a sensitive area would impact the livelihood of fishers from Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala, besides harming one of the most ecologically valuable littoral zones in the region. C. Berlin of Neithal Makkal Iyakkam said, 'The place selected for the project falls under the Central government zone, but that does not exempt authorities from consulting the local fishing community....' He further said that fishers who are dependent on Wadge Bank would be affected the most due to the project. Small-scale fishers would be forced to sail longer distances in search of fishing grounds, Mr. Berlin said, urging the government to revoke the proposed project. A Journal on Petroleum and Environmental Biotechnology, released by the Department of Environmental Sciences, Resources and Studies of University of Alaska Fairbanks, highlighted the environmental impacts of hydrocarbon exploration. According to it, drilling and production operations could release pollutants into air and water. Meanwhile, fishermen associations convened a meeting in Nagercoil on Sunday to raise awareness on the potential impact of the project. At the meet, fishers proposed that a memorandum be submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and planned protests in the days to come. Justin Antony, president of International Fishermen Development Trust, said Wadge Bank was a natural barrier that protected the region from disasters. The implementation of the project in south of Cape Comorin could weaken this barrier, he feared. S. Rajeshkumar, MLA from Killiyoor constituency, said a plea pertaining to the project was already submitted in the Assembly and the Tamil Nadu government had not yet granted a no-objection certificate. According to him, there was neither any 'major prior intimation' about the project from the Centre nor a public hearing. He emphasised that the Centre revoke the project.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Fishers decry hydrocarbon project in Wadge Bank
Opposition to the proposed hydrocarbon exploration project in the waters of Kanniyakumari has increased among fishers in the region. According to them, though the project had been planned at 35 nautical miles from the shore, the designated area was a vital fishing ground. The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had issued a notice inviting bids under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy for exploration of oil and natural gas from three areas in South of Cape Comorin, covering 27,154.80 sq km. Of the three proposed sites, one spans 9,514.63 sq km and the other two, 9,844.72 sq km and 7,795.45 sq km respectively. The region selected for exploration includes the Wadge Bank — a marine area in south of Cape Comorin, rich in fishery resources. Spanning approximately 10,000 sq km, it has long served as an abundant fishing ground. Fishermen associations fear that implementing the project in such a sensitive area would impact the livelihood of fishers from Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Ramanathapuram districts in Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala, besides harming one of the most ecologically valuable littoral zones in the region. C. Berlin of Neithal Makkal Iyakkam said, 'The place selected for the project falls under the Central government zone, but that does not exempt authorities from consulting the local fishing community....' He further said that fishers who are dependent on Wadge Bank would be affected the most due to the project. Small-scale fishers would be forced to sail longer distances in search of fishing grounds, Mr. Berlin said, urging the government to revoke the proposed project. A Journal on Petroleum and Environmental Biotechnology, released by the Department of Environmental Sciences, Resources and Studies of University of Alaska Fairbanks, highlighted the environmental impacts of hydrocarbon exploration. According to it, drilling and production operations could release pollutants into air and water. Meanwhile, fishermen associations convened a meeting in Nagercoil on Sunday to raise awareness on the potential impact of the project. At the meet, fishers proposed that a memorandum be submitted to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and planned protests in the days to come. Justin Antony, president of International Fishermen Development Trust, said Wadge Bank was a natural barrier that protected the region from disasters. The implementation of the project in south of Cape Comorin could weaken this barrier, he feared. S. Rajeshkumar, MLA from Killiyoor constituency, said a plea pertaining to the project was already submitted in the Assembly and the Tamil Nadu government had not yet granted a no-objection certificate. According to him, there was neither any 'major prior intimation' about the project from the Centre nor a public hearing. He emphasised that the Centre revoke the project.
