Latest news with #UnionMinistryofPetroleumandNaturalGas
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.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Petrol dealers seek relief from ethanol mandate during monsoon
Surat: Petrol dealers in South Gujarat have approached the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas with a pressing request: exempt fuel stations in the region from the mandated 20% ethanol blending in petrol during the monsoon season. Citing frequent complaints of fuel contamination and engine damage, the dealers argue that high humidity and ethanol's water-absorbing properties are causing significant issues. "Even with 15% ethanol, we get several complaints related to engine damage, petrol evaporation, and water contamination. Increasing the blend to 20% will only worsen the situation," said one local petrol dealer. Dealers claim that during the monsoon, especially in coastal areas, humidity causes ethanol to absorb atmospheric moisture. This leads to the separation of ethanol from petrol, which they say is visible within seconds when a petrol tank is exposed to open air. The resulting water content not only degrades fuel quality but also damages engines—leaving dealers to deal with customer anger, complaints, and financial losses. "The oil companies do not provide specialized storage tanks that could prevent moisture ingress. Yet, we are held responsible when customers face issues," said another dealer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trend: This unbreakable health-tracking watch is delighting seniors Indestructible Smartwatch Undo The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has taken up the issue and submitted a formal representation to Union petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri. In its letter, SGCCI stated, "Ethanol has hygroscopic properties, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. During the monsoon, even with well-maintained and sealed underground tanks, the high humidity leads to ethanol drawing in moisture, effectively turning into water. This results in fuel contamination that severely affects engine performance and damages vehicles." The letter further noted that petroleum dealers are unfairly blamed and even face police complaints due to circumstances beyond their control. A member of the Surat Tapi District Petrol Pump Association (STDPPA) pointed out that the ministry had, in the past, granted temporary exemptions for ethanol blending in coastal regions during monsoons, but that policy has since been withdrawn, renewing challenges for local dealers. The dealers now await a response from the ministry and hope for the reinstatement of the monsoon exemption to prevent further operational and reputational damage.
