Business

The government has said that the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme is a major component of India’s energy strategy, designed to strengthen energy security, support the farming community and lower environmental impact by increasing the use of domestically produced renewable fuel.

Indian refiners are well equipped from a product-quality standpoint to supply the gasoline grades required by Russia. However, Oil minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that Indian companies are not directly selling gasoline to Russia.

The government says that project underscores Indian Railways’ wider focus on technological innovation, improved energy efficiency and environmentally sustainable transportation, while supporting India’s national objectives on clean energy and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Although India imports around 90% of its crude oil requirement, it has become one of the world’s largest exporters of refined petroleum products by using its large and sophisticated refineries.

India should avoid early trade concessions with the United States. Washington is using uncertainty as a bargaining instrument across many issues. India possesses unique strategic strengths that should be leveraged. The nation should play the long game and test US resolve. This approach will improve India’s bargaining position over time.

The petroleum ministry clarified E20 petrol production costs versus pure petrol. Ethanol blending protects Indian consumers from volatile international oil prices. This program has saved India significant foreign exchange and crude oil imports. It also provides greater fuel price stability and increases farmers’ incomes. The transition to E20 has been a phased process with stakeholder

A weaker monsoon poses risks to India’s rural economy and farm incomes. This could increase food inflation and slow down consumption demand in coming months. Agriculture and related sectors face the biggest impact from below-normal rainfall. Microfinance institutions are more vulnerable than banks due to rural borrower exposure. Hydroelectric generation may decline, but broader economic