Caldic announced the appointment of Smita Shetty as Managing Director, India. The appointment reflects the company’s continued focus on strengthening its leadership team and accelerating growth across the Indian market. Smita brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in the specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution industry across the Asia-Pacific region. Since joining Connell in 2010, she has played a significant role in driving commercial growth, strengthening customer relationships and supporting strategic business expansion. Over the years, she has successfully led high-performing teams while contributing to major digital and business transformation initiatives across the organisation.

Key Role in Regional Marketing and Brand Growth

Smita headed Regional Marketing & Communications for APAC, where she played a critical role in enhancing Caldic’s brand positioning and regional engagement strategies. In addition, she helped align regional business priorities with the company’s broader global growth ambitions. Her leadership in marketing and strategic communications further strengthened the company’s visibility and customer engagement across multiple markets in the region.

Strong Track Record in Business Development

Before her regional leadership role, Smita served as Head of Core Products and Industry Manager – Food & Nutrition in India. During this period, she successfully expanded business operations, built strong partnerships with principals and customers, and drove impactful organisational transformation. Her ability to scale businesses and lead cross-functional teams has positioned her as a respected industry leader within the specialty chemicals and ingredients sector.

Positioned to Lead Caldic India’s Next Growth Phase

With deep industry expertise, strong regional insights and proven leadership capabilities, Smita is well positioned to lead Caldic’s India business into its next phase of growth. As per the press release, her appointment is expected to further strengthen the company’s market presence while supporting innovation, customer-centric strategies and long-term business expansion in India.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fortune Global 500 company and Maharatna PSU, reported a resilient operational and financial performance for the quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026. Despite volatile crude oil prices, evolving supply dynamics and persistent uncertainty in global energy markets, the company maintained stability across its core businesses and continued its long-term growth momentum.

Strong Operational Stability Across Businesses

During the quarter, BPCL ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies across the country while maintaining stable operations in both its refining and marketing segments. At the same time, the company strengthened its nationwide distribution network to meet rising energy demand and support seamless customer service across diverse markets. Moreover, BPCL’s disciplined operational approach helped the company navigate a rapidly changing global energy landscape while sustaining efficiency and reliability throughout its supply chain.

Sustained Growth Momentum in FY26

BPCL’s FY26 performance reflected strong domestic energy consumption, operational efficiency and consistent momentum across key business segments. The company continued to focus on supply-chain resilience, customer-centric operations and cost optimisation to enhance overall business performance.

In addition, BPCL accelerated its long-term expansion strategy through investments in refining and marketing infrastructure, pipeline connectivity, city gas distribution and emerging energy opportunities. These initiatives further strengthened the company’s presence in high-growth consumption centres while supporting the development of future-ready energy infrastructure in India.

Expanding Energy Infrastructure Network

As one of India’s leading integrated energy companies, BPCL operates across both upstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry. The company is engaged in crude oil refining and the marketing of petroleum products while continuing to expand its energy footprint nationwide.

BPCL’s refineries located at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina together have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. In parallel, the company has built a robust marketing and distribution infrastructure that supports its extensive nationwide operations.

Maharatna Status Reinforces BPCL’s Leadership Position

BPCL’s Maharatna status places the company among India’s elite public sector enterprises with enhanced operational and financial autonomy. As per the press release, backed by strong infrastructure, expanding market presence and strategic investments, the company continues to strengthen its role in India’s evolving energy ecosystem while advancing towards sustainable and future-focused growth.

MOL Group is expanding its Szarvas Biogas Plant by adding a new biomethane production unit, marking another major step in the company’s renewable energy and sustainability strategy. Once completed, the upgraded facility will be capable of producing high-purity biomethane that can be directly injected into Hungary’s national natural gas network. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year and will produce more than seven million cubic metres of biomethane annually. The output will help replace conventional natural gas while strengthening MOL Group’s green energy portfolio under its long-term SHAPE TOMORROW 2030+ strategy.

First Biomethane Plant for MOL Group

The Szarvas development will become MOL Group’s first biomethane plant and Hungary’s third such facility. The investment highlights the company’s growing focus on renewable energy, circular economy initiatives and low-carbon fuel solutions. The project supports regional efforts to improve energy security while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

How Biomethane Production Works

Biogas is produced through the decomposition of organic materials such as agricultural residues, manure and food waste. It mainly consists of methane along with carbon dioxide and other compounds. The biomethane unit will purify the raw biogas by removing unwanted components to create high-energy, high-purity biomethane. As a result, the upgraded fuel can be used as a sustainable alternative to natural gas. In addition, biomethane carries green certification benefits through the ISCC system, increasing its commercial and environmental value. The planned annual production of seven million cubic metres of biomethane is equivalent to the yearly natural gas consumption of nearly 8,500 average households.

Strategic Importance for Central and Eastern Europe

MOL believes biomethane has significant growth potential across Central and Eastern Europe due to the region’s strong agricultural base, established gas infrastructure and rising industrial demand for cleaner energy solutions. Locally produced biomethane also improves energy independence and supports long-term energy resilience for the region. MOL plans to use operational experience from the Szarvas facility when evaluating future acquisitions and developing additional greenfield renewable energy projects.

MOL Highlights Energy Security and Sustainability Benefits

Commenting on the development, Ádám Horváth, Vice President of New and Sustainable Businesses at MOL Group, said the investment offers a practical solution to the global energy trilemma by balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability. He also emphasised that unlocking the full potential of biomethane will require supportive regulations, effective incentive systems and stronger cooperation between the agriculture and energy sectors.

Existing Szarvas Facility Supports Circular Economy

MOL Group acquired the Szarvas biogas plant in 2023. Currently, the facility uses biogas-powered gas engines to generate nearly 24 GWh of green electricity annually while also supplying combined heat energy. The plant processes more than 40,000 tonnes of waste annually from regional meat production operations, along with approximately 53,000 tonnes of residual agricultural waste such as slurry and manure from nearby livestock farms. Additionally, the facility utilises around 18,000 tons of agricultural feedstock each year and produces nearly 12 million cubic metres of biogas annually.

Strong Agricultural Partnerships Drive Feedstock Supply

MOL acknowledged that its agricultural partners and raw material suppliers play a critical role in ensuring a stable and efficient feedstock supply chain for the Szarvas facility. As per the press release, the company plans to further strengthen long-term collaboration with the agricultural sector as it continues expanding its renewable energy and biomethane operations in the future.

Coega Green Ammonia signs electrolyzer cell technology agreement with Topsoe for its proposed $5.8 billion green ammonia project in South Africa. The partnership marks a significant step forward in advancing large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production in the region.

Strategic Partnership to Advance Green Hydrogen Production

Under the agreement, Topsoe will supply its advanced Solid Oxide Electrolyzer Cell (SOEC) technology for the Coega green ammonia facility. The technology is expected to improve energy efficiency and support the production of green hydrogen, a critical feedstock for manufacturing low-carbon ammonia. The collaboration reinforces South Africa’s growing position in the global clean energy transition and highlights increasing investments in sustainable industrial infrastructure.

Supporting South Africa’s Renewable Energy Ambitions

The Coega project is expected to become one of the largest green ammonia developments in Africa. Located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape region, the facility aims to utilise renewable energy sources to produce green hydrogen and ammonia for domestic use as well as international export markets. In addition, the project aligns with South Africa’s broader strategy to develop a competitive green hydrogen economy while creating employment opportunities and strengthening industrial growth.

Advanced Electrolyzer Technology to Enhance Efficiency

Topsoe’s SOEC technology offers high electrical efficiency by using steam and renewable electricity to produce hydrogen. Compared to conventional electrolysis systems, the technology can significantly reduce energy consumption, making green hydrogen production more cost-effective and sustainable. As global industries continue to focus on decarbonisation, advanced electrolyzer solutions are becoming increasingly important for scaling green fuel and chemical production.

Growing Global Demand for Green Ammonia

Green ammonia is gaining momentum as a low-carbon fuel and energy carrier, particularly in sectors such as shipping, power generation and fertiliser manufacturing. Consequently, large-scale projects like Coega are expected to play a vital role in supporting global decarbonisation targets and expanding clean energy trade. As reported by h2-tech.com, with this latest agreement, Coega and Topsoe aim to accelerate the commercial deployment of green ammonia technologies while strengthening South Africa’s position in the emerging global hydrogen economy.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is reportedly in discussions with several international battery component manufacturers, including Chinese battery major CATL, as the company accelerates its clean energy and battery storage ambitions in India. The discussions are primarily focused on sourcing critical components for large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which are expected to become a key pillar of Reliance’s expanding renewable energy infrastructure strategy.

Focus on Strengthening Energy Storage Capabilities

As India rapidly increases renewable energy capacity, demand for advanced energy storage systems is also rising significantly. In response, Reliance is evaluating potential collaborations with multiple global battery technology players to strengthen its BESS capabilities and secure access to advanced storage technologies. The move reflects the company’s broader strategy to build an integrated clean energy ecosystem that supports renewable power generation, grid stability, and long-term energy transition goals.

Battery Storage Becoming Critical for Renewable Expansion

Battery Energy Storage Systems are increasingly viewed as essential infrastructure for renewable energy integration, particularly for balancing intermittent solar and wind power generation. By exploring partnerships with established international battery manufacturers, RRIL aims to strengthen supply chain security while gaining access to advanced battery technologies and components required for large-scale deployment. The initiative also aligns with India’s growing focus on improving grid flexibility and supporting large-scale renewable energy additions across the country.

Industry-Wide Shift Toward Global Technology Partnerships

Reliance’s discussions with global battery firms reflect a wider trend emerging across India’s energy sector. Several Indian energy and infrastructure companies are increasingly partnering with international battery technology providers to accelerate domestic energy storage deployment and support clean energy transition initiatives. As demand for renewable energy continues to grow, battery storage is expected to play a crucial role in enabling stable power supply, reducing grid fluctuations, and improving energy reliability.

Reliance Expands Clean Energy Ambitions

The company’s growing interest in battery system components highlights its commitment to becoming a major player in India’s clean energy and energy storage landscape. As reported by businessworld.in, with India targeting significant renewable energy capacity expansion over the coming years, Reliance Industries Limited is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging opportunities in battery manufacturing, energy storage infrastructure, and sustainable energy technologies.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) received Board approval for the formation of a 50:50 joint venture with M11 Energy Transition Pvt. Ltd. to establish a 100 KTPA Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project at Paradip, Odisha. Under the approved structure, the proposed joint venture company will be incorporated in India with equal ownership between Indian Oil Corporation and M11 Energy Transition Pvt. Ltd. The project aims to strengthen India’s clean energy and sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem as the country accelerates efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. However, the project remains subject to approvals from NITI Aayog, the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), and other relevant regulatory authorities before commercial implementation.

Paradip Facility to Use HEFA Technology

The proposed SAF plant will utilize the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology pathway, which is widely recognized for producing lower-carbon sustainable aviation fuel from renewable feedstocks. The facility will be located at Paradip, one of India’s major industrial and refining hubs on the eastern coast. The strategic location is expected to support efficient integration with existing refining and logistics infrastructure.

Project Cost

The estimated project cost for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel facility stands at approximately ₹1,063.60 crore, with a variance margin of ±30%. The variation reflects the project’s preliminary planning stage as well as the requirement for further regulatory approvals and detailed project assessments. The proposed SAF project aligns with India’s broader sustainability and energy transition objectives, particularly in the aviation sector where demand for cleaner fuel alternatives is steadily increasing. As reported by scanX, by investing in sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure, Indian Oil Corporation Limited aims to support the decarbonisation of air transport while strengthening the country’s renewable and low-carbon fuel capabilities.

Insecticides (India) Limited introduced Granuvia, a new granular insecticide developed for effective management of stem borer and brown plant hopper (BPH) in paddy cultivation. The company stated that the product is designed for application 30–35 days after transplanting and offers long-duration control against brown plant hopper while also protecting rice crops from stem borer attacks during critical growth stages.

Advanced Formulation Developed by Corteva Agriscience

Granuvia contains Triflumezopyrim 0.45% plus Chlorantraniliprole 0.50% W/W GR as its active ingredients. The insecticide has been developed by Corteva Agriscience. The product combines dual-action control of brown plant hopper and stem borer in an easy-to-apply granular formulation. Farmers can broadcast the product after mixing it with sand or urea, aligning with commonly followed field practices in rice cultivation.

Rising Pest Pressure Increasing Need for Effective Solutions

The company highlighted that brown plant hopper infestations severely affected major paddy-growing regions across several states last year, forcing farmers to undertake repeated pest management interventions. Insecticides (India) Limited noted that severe BPH attacks can lead to crop yield losses ranging from 20% to 60%. In addition, stem borer infestation, particularly dead heart symptoms, continues to remain a major challenge for rice farmers and can cause significant crop damage if not managed effectively.

Company Leadership Highlights Product Benefits

Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Limited, said farmers are increasingly facing higher pest pressure along with changing climatic conditions. He added that these challenges are driving demand for pest control solutions that are easy to apply and capable of providing longer-lasting protection. According to Aggarwal, Granuvia has been developed to deliver sustained management of key paddy pests while supporting crop health and productivity. Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer of the company, stated that the product has been exclusively supplied to Insecticides (India) Limited by Corteva Agriscience under the Granuvia brand name. He explained that the insecticide offers rice farmers a solution with a different mode of action for effective management of brown plant hopper and stem borer. Furthermore, he noted that the product’s granular formulation and field performance are expected to strengthen pest management practices in paddy farming.

Granular Formulation Designed for Ease of Application

Manoj Singh Bhandari, GM and Crop Manager – Paddy, said the granular formulation has been specifically designed to simplify field application and reduce the need for repeated spraying against brown plant hopper infestations. He also stated that farmers are increasingly looking for solutions that fit into existing farming practices while reducing labour requirements and application costs. According to Bhandari, Granuvia can help improve tillering, crop vigour, and overall crop stand under pest pressure conditions.

Long-Duration Protection for Rice Crops

The company said Granuvia provides up to sixty days of control against brown plant hopper and up to two weeks of protection against stem borer-related dead heart symptoms. As reported by global-agriculture.com, in addition, field demonstrations of the product were conducted across major paddy-growing regions to evaluate and showcase its performance under actual farming conditions. With the launch of Granuvia, Insecticides (India) Limited aims to strengthen its crop protection portfolio while supporting rice farmers with advanced and practical pest management solutions.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemicals producer reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant recovery from the industry downturn experienced between 2023 and 2025. The company stated that the improved results reflect disciplined execution of its IVL 2.0 transformation strategy alongside strengthening global chemical market conditions. During 1Q26, consolidated revenue increased 7% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to THB 109.3 billion, while reported EBITDA surged 89% QoQ to THB 8.0 billion. The strong sequential growth was supported by higher sales volumes, improved margins, and a favorable business portfolio mix, despite currency-related headwinds.

“Radical Clarity” Reporting Enhances Transparency

Indorama Ventures also introduced its new “Radical Clarity” reporting philosophy, which incorporates inventory fluctuations as a core part of business performance reporting. According to the company, this approach provides investors and stakeholders with a more transparent and realistic assessment of operational performance. The quarter’s strong operational performance generated THB 8.8 billion in operating cash flow, with an EBITDA conversion rate of 109%. At the same time, proactive working capital management helped reduce working capital by THB 3.2 billion despite increased sales volumes and rising crude oil prices. As a result, the company improved its net debt-to-equity ratio to 1.73x from 1.83x in the previous quarter.

CEO Highlights Strategic Recovery Momentum

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, described 1Q26 as a major turning point for the company. He stated that the recovery has been driven by both improving market conditions and the deliberate execution of the IVL 2.0 strategy. Lohia added that through disciplined operations and the “Radical Clarity” framework, the company has entered the industry upcycle in a much stronger position. He noted that Indorama Ventures expects continued sequential earnings improvement, accelerated deleveraging toward its target of 3x Net Debt/EBITDA, and steady progress toward its 2028 strategic goals.

Combined PET Segment Leads Earnings Growth

The Combined PET (CPET) segment emerged as the strongest performer during the quarter. EBITDA for the segment surged 134% QoQ to THB 5.5 billion, driven by normalized production volumes following planned maintenance turnarounds, improved industry spreads, and stronger cost advantages from the company’s shale-to-PET integration operations in the Americas.

Packaging Business Maintains Stable Growth

The company’s Indovida packaging segment continued to demonstrate resilience and growth momentum. The segment reported EBITDA of THB 743 million, reflecting a 10% QoQ increase supported by improving demand across key growth markets. In addition, the proposed merger with EPL Limited is expected to strengthen the segment further and create a major global packaging federation focused on long-term expansion.

Surfactants Segment Faces Temporary Market Pressures

The Indovinya surfactants business recorded EBITDA of THB 1.7 billion, representing a 7% QoQ decline. The decline was primarily attributed to challenging market conditions in South America and the impact of a winter freeze event in the United States. However, the company believes the segment is positioned for a structural turnaround as global supply chain disruptions are expected to reduce the impact of low-cost Asian imports in key markets.

Fibers Business Improves Through Disciplined Production

The Fibers segment delivered a 70% QoQ increase in EBITDA to THB 879 million. According to the company, the improvement resulted from disciplined production management strategies designed to align supply with market demand. The business also prioritized inventory control and cash flow management amid softer conditions in mobility and lifestyle markets.

Industry Conditions Support Positive Outlook

Indorama Ventures stated that its performance continues to benefit from four major competitive strengths: its global local-for-local operating model, shale-to-PET integration capabilities, diversified end-market exposure, and improved Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) processes. These advantages, combined with the IVL 2.0 transformation strategy, have strengthened the company’s ability to capture higher import parity pricing and improve operational cash flow. At the same time, the broader industry environment is showing signs of structural improvement. Slower PET capacity additions, rationalization across the ethylene value chain, and ongoing geopolitical disruptions are contributing to a more balanced and disciplined global supply environment.

Positive Momentum Expected to Continue

As per the press release, Indorama Ventures expects strong momentum to continue into the second quarter of 2026. Management anticipates additional earnings improvement supported by favorable pricing trends, higher utilization of advantaged assets, and continued margin expansion. The developments are expected to accelerate the company’s progress toward its long-term strategic, operational, and financial objectives.

Atul Ltd. introduced three proprietary crop protection products — Mylonis, Salix Gold, and Tikadis — aimed at improving crop productivity and supporting sustainable farming practices across India. The newly launched portfolio includes a seed treatment solution for oilseeds and soybean, an advanced fungicide formulation for rice, and a premium technical-grade herbicide designed for rice cultivation. Together, these products address critical challenges in disease management, pest control, and weed management, all of which significantly impact crop yields and farmer profitability.

Mylonis Delivers Comprehensive Disease Protection for Rice

Mylonis is a patented fungicide formulation that combines Azoxystrobin, Isoprothiolane, and Mancozeb to provide broad-spectrum disease control in rice crops. The product is specifically designed to combat major rice diseases, including sheath blight, blast — even across multiple strains — and grain discoloration. In addition to disease suppression, Mylonis improves overall plant health, enhances grain quality, and supports effective resistance management strategies. As a result, the solution offers rice farmers across India a reliable option for improving crop performance and protecting yields.

Salix Gold Enhances Precision Weed Management

Salix Gold showcases Atul’s advanced manufacturing capabilities in high-purity technical-grade production. Based on 2,4-D sodium salt water-dispersible granules technology, the herbicide provides effective post-emergence weed control in rice fields. The formulation efficiently targets broadleaf weeds and sedges, helping farmers improve weed management and maintain healthier crop growth. Although the product is currently focused on the Indian market, Atul is also exploring commercial opportunities in selected international regions.

Tikadis Strengthens Early Crop Protection

Tikadis is a patented seed treatment formulation developed for groundnut and soybean cultivation. The product combines Azoxystrobin, Carbendazim, and Thiamethoxam to deliver early-stage protection against soil-borne pests and pathogens. Field trials have shown that Tikadis supports stronger seed germination, enhances root nodule development for improved plant vigour, and promotes uniform pod formation. By providing protection from the initial stages of crop growth, the solution helps farmers improve crop establishment and overall productivity.

Supporting Sustainable and Productive Agriculture

As per the press release, with the launch of Mylonis, Salix Gold, and Tikadis, Atul continues to strengthen its crop protection portfolio while supporting modern, sustainable agricultural practices. The new solutions aim to help Indian farmers improve productivity, reduce crop losses, and achieve better economic returns through advanced agricultural technologies.

AmpereHour Energy and IndiGrid successfully commissioned a 180 MW / 360 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) substation in Gujarat. With Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) serving as the off-taker, the facility has become India’s largest standalone utility-scale BESS installation and ranks among the largest battery energy storage projects in Asia.

Strengthening Gujarat’s Renewable Energy Ecosystem

The commissioning of the project marks a major step forward for Gujarat’s renewable energy infrastructure. In recent years, the state has emerged as a leader in clean energy development, launching nearly 870 MW of battery storage capacity projects across the region. Within this growing ecosystem, the IndiGrid-AmpereHour project stands out as a flagship standalone storage initiative. The project demonstrates how advanced battery storage technology can stabilize the power grid, reduce renewable energy curtailment, and support round-the-clock clean energy availability.

Scaling from Delhi to One of Asia’s Largest BESS Facilities

Developing one of Asia’s largest standalone BESS projects required AmpereHour Energy to scale its expertise from its earlier 40 MWh Delhi project to a significantly larger 360 MWh installation. To meet GUVNL’s stringent grid standards, AmpereHour’s research and engineering teams carried out advanced simulation studies across the entire electrical infrastructure — from the 220 kV grid connection to the DC systems. As a result, the project achieved high Round Trip Efficiency (RTE) and improved usable energy output. The company also deployed its proprietary ELINA Energy Management System (EMS) and AH Suite software platform to manage massive data streams and coordinate execution across multiple contractors efficiently. In addition, AmpereHour implemented extensive quality audits, streamlined complex international logistics, and followed its “First Time Right” execution strategy, enabling a seamless one-go commissioning process.

AmpereHour Highlights Flexible Integration Architecture

Rahul Shelke, Co-Founder and Managing Director of AmpereHour Energy, described the project as a defining moment for India’s energy sector. He stated that the company’s Flexible Integration architecture played a critical role in enabling the large-scale deployment by delivering an intelligent and adaptable technology layer. According to Shelke, the solution helped IndiGrid implement a system that is both technically advanced and commercially optimized. He further added that as Gujarat continues to expand its battery storage footprint, AmpereHour aims to support critical infrastructure projects through its advanced energy storage technologies.

IndiGrid Sets New Benchmark in Utility-Scale Storage

As the project developer, IndiGrid has established a new benchmark for utility-scale battery storage infrastructure in India. The BESS facility will store excess renewable energy generated during off-peak periods and discharge it during peak demand hours. Consequently, the system will enhance grid resilience, improve energy reliability, and support better integration of renewable power into the grid. Harsh Shah, Managing Director of IndiGrid, said the successful commissioning of the 180 MW / 360 MWh BESS project marks a major milestone in India’s evolving energy infrastructure. As per the press release, he also acknowledged AmpereHour’s contribution in designing, integrating, and energizing the complex battery storage system at scale. Furthermore, Shah emphasized that the project reinforces IndiGrid’s commitment to supporting India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.