The Union Budget 2026–27 proposes the establishment of three new dedicated chemical parks. The government will develop these parks through a challenge-based route and adopt a cluster-based, plug-and-play model to accelerate industrial development.

Boost to Domestic Chemical Manufacturing

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that these chemical parks will significantly enhance domestic chemical production and help reduce import dependence. Moreover, she announced that the government will launch a dedicated scheme to support States in setting up these specialized parks, thereby strengthening the overall chemicals ecosystem. As reported by PIB, the initiatives aim to create world-class infrastructure and attract investments across the chemicals value chain.

₹20,000 Crore Outlay for CCUS Technologies

In addition to infrastructure development, the budget introduces a major push for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. The government proposes an outlay of ₹20,000 crore over the next five years to improve the readiness level of CCUS applications. Importantly, this initiative will cover five key industrial sectors, including chemicals, power, steel, cement, and refineries, thereby promoting cross-sectoral adoption of clean technologies.

CCUS as a Green Growth Initiative

As a green initiative, the CCUS programme aims to reduce carbon emissions by capturing carbon dioxide and either storing it safely or reusing it productively. Consequently, this approach prevents carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and supports India’s long-term climate commitments.

Revival of Legacy Industrial Clusters

Furthermore, the budget announces a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters. The government will focus on improving their cost competitiveness and operational efficiency through targeted infrastructure development and technology upgradation. This measure is expected to provide a significant boost to the chemicals and petrochemicals sector as well.

Strengthening Traditional Industries for Sustainable Growth

The finance minister emphasized that reviving and strengthening traditional industries is essential for accelerating and sustaining economic growth. She also highlighted that these efforts will play a crucial role in preserving jobs and ensuring inclusive industrial development across the country.

Specialty chemicals company LANXESS is showcasing its advanced fungicides portfolio for the leather industry at the India International Leather Fair (IILF) 2026, being held from February 1 to 3 at the Chennai Trade Centre. During the event, visitors can engage directly with LANXESS experts at Hall 2, Booth No. 2-12-D.

Introduction of Preventol® CT 40

As part of its participation, LANXESS is introducing the latest addition to its Preventol® range. The new preservative, Preventol® CT 40, is designed specifically for leather intermediates and features a unique combination of electrophilic and membrane-active properties. As a result, it delivers broad-spectrum efficacy and significantly enhances storage stability, helping manufacturers consistently achieve high-quality leather products.

Reliable Protection Across Processing Stages

Moreover, with its Preventol® range, LANXESS offers effective and economical
long-term preservation of leather intermediates throughout the manufacturing process. These solutions protect against mold and fungi while ensuring durability during storage and transportation. According to The Press Release, the membrane-active biocides used in Preventol® products are not degraded during action; instead, they are released unchanged, allowing them to repeatedly defend against microbial growth. This regenerative mechanism ensures long-lasting protection.

Dual-Action Technology for Enhanced Safety

In addition, most Preventol® products combine multiple active substances and functional mechanisms in a single formulation. Consequently, this dual-action approach delivers a broader spectrum of efficacy and provides added operational safety for tanneries. Unlike systems that rely solely on electrophilic substances—typically limited to surface protection—membrane-active biocides penetrate deep into the hide’s cross-section.

Improved Security After Leather Splitting

This deeper penetration offers a critical advantage. Even after the leather is split, newly exposed surfaces remain protected, reducing the risk of microbial contamination. Therefore, membrane-active biocides give tanneries greater process security and peace of mind.

Commitment to the Indian Leather Industry

Anand Muthureddy, Head – Business Unit Material Protection Products, LANXESS India, said, “The Indian leather industry operates in an increasingly competitive environment. LANXESS remains focused on delivering reliable and effective solutions to the market. Through our fungicides portfolio, we aim to support the leather industry with high-performance solutions that align with global quality standards.”

Engineers India Limited (EIL) has reinforced its position as a cornerstone of India’s energy sector by delivering first-of-its-kind projects across hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, and emerging energy segments. Over more than six decades, the company has combined engineering excellence with innovation while steadily expanding its global footprint to deliver integrated energy solutions for a sustainable future.

Landmark Projects Define Domestic Engineering Excellence

Since its inception in 1965, EIL has executed several milestone projects that have shaped India’s energy and industrial landscape. These include a 200 KTPA lube blending facility for the Madras Refinery, world-scale petrochemical complexes, and advanced bottom-upgradation units.

Among its most notable achievements is the world’s first Resid Upgradation Facility (RUF) based on LC-Max technology at HPCL’s Visakhapatnam Refinery. In addition, EIL delivered India’s first Propane Dehydrogenation (PDH) facility, engineered a technically complex LPG cavern, and executed a bamboo-based biorefinery in Assam, underscoring its capability to manage diverse and engineering-intensive projects.

Driving India’s Energy Transition Through Innovation

Together, these projects highlight EIL’s ability to deliver high-value, technology-driven solutions that support India’s energy transition. By integrating conventional hydrocarbons expertise with emerging energy technologies, the company continues to bridge today’s energy needs with tomorrow’s sustainability goals.

Expanding Global Footprint Across Key Energy Markets

At the same time, EIL has strengthened its international presence across the Middle East, Africa, and other global markets. Notably, the company successfully commissioned the Dangote Oil Refinery Project in Nigeria, the world’s largest single-train refinery.

Building on this success, the Dangote Group has entrusted EIL with both the refinery expansion and the fertiliser complex expansion at the same site. Elsewhere, EIL is advancing a greenfield refinery project in Mongolia and a power plant project in Guyana, further expanding its global project portfolio.

Strengthening Presence in the MENA Region

To support its growing overseas business, EIL has established a regional hub in Abu Dhabi and opened a new office in Saudi Arabia. These moves enhance the company’s ability to serve clients across the MENA region while reinforcing its “Local to Global” vision.

Strategic Collaborations with Global and Domestic Leaders

In parallel, EIL has entered into strategic collaborations with leading global and Indian organisations, including ADNOC, NMDC Energy, BP, Aramco Asia India, and major Indian oil PSUs. The company also works closely with NPCIL and Power Grid, alongside premier academic institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), to drive innovation and technology development.

Supporting India’s Nuclear Energy Roadmap

As reported by indiamasterminds.com, beyond hydrocarbons, EIL plays a growing role in India’s nuclear energy programme. The company is providing engineering services for the Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) in collaboration with NPCIL, along with detailed engineering for the 220 MW PHWR Bharat Small Reactor. In addition, EIL is offering consultancy support for the Atomic Power Project in Rajasthan, reinforcing its contribution to India’s clean and reliable baseload power ambitions.

Praj Industries, a global player in bioenergy, technology, and sustainable solutions, successfully demonstrated its Ethanol-to-Jet (EtJ) process using Axens’ Jetanol™ technology at its fully integrated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) demonstration plant at Praj Matrix, the company’s R&D centre. The milestone marks a major step forward in the global transition toward low-carbon aviation fuels.

Announcement Made at Wings India 2026

The milestone was formally announced at Wings India 2026, India’s flagship aviation industry platform. Maneesh Kumar, Joint Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), made the announcement in the presence of Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Director General, DGCA.

The development was highlighted during a Roundtable on SAF, chaired by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and attended by key stakeholders from across the SAF ecosystem. Representing the partner companies, Atul Mulay, President – Bioenergy Business, Praj Industries, and Siddharth Saha, Managing Director, Axens India, participated in the session.

Integrated SAF Demo Plant Validates Multiple ATJ Pathways

The Integrated SAF demonstration plant—earlier inaugurated by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri—has now confirmed its technological readiness across multiple Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) pathways.

Following the successful demonstration using bio-isobutanol as feedstock, the facility has now validated bio-ethanol under the EtJ pathway. As a result, Praj has further strengthened the flexibility, robustness, and feedstock versatility of its SAF technology portfolio.

Axens Jetanol™ Technology Enables End-to-End ATJ Process

Axens, a global provider of process technologies, catalysts, and services for cleaner fuels, continues to play a strategic role in advancing SAF through the ATJ route. Under the partnership, Axens has licensed its Jetanol™ Alcohol-to-Jet technology to Praj.

The licensed scope includes key process steps such as dehydration, oligomerisation, and hydrogenation, along with proprietary catalysts and technical support. This collaboration ensures a reliable and market-ready technology foundation for SAF production.

First Fully Integrated ATJ Technology Offering Globally

With this achievement, Praj becomes the first company globally to offer a fully integrated, end-to-end technology and engineering solution for the Alcohol-to-Jet pathway, covering both isobutanol and ethanol feedstocks.

Validated at demonstration scale and now ready for commercial deployment, the solution seamlessly combines Axens’ proven process technology with Praj’s engineering excellence and project execution capabilities. Importantly, the process enables the production of drop-in SAF compliant with ASTM D7566, ensuring full compatibility with existing aircraft engines and aviation infrastructure.

Proven Track Record in SAF Deployment in India

Earlier, Praj demonstrated real-world SAF deployment by supporting India’s first commercial passenger flight powered by SAF-blended aviation turbine fuel. The AirAsia India flight operated from Pune to New Delhi using indigenously produced SAF supplied by Praj in collaboration with Indian Oil, underscoring the company’s ability to translate technology into commercial reality.

Leadership Perspectives on Accelerating SAF Adoption

Dr. Pramod Chaudhari, Founder Chairman of Praj Industries, said the company remains committed to advancing science-led and scalable solutions that support aviation decarbonisation, energy security, and global climate goals. He added that Praj’s integrated ATJ and EtJ solutions position the company to support oil marketing companies and ethanol producers through flexible deployment models, including bolt-on solutions and greenfield projects.

As reported by chinimandi.com, Quentin Debuisschert, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Axens, noted that the successful EtJ demonstration using Jetanol™ technology represents a critical milestone for the SAF value chain. He emphasised that combining Praj’s engineering strengths with Axens’ proven, market-ready technologies will accelerate the deployment of reliable and scalable SAF solutions amid tightening regulatory frameworks.

The investment framework announced by the Kerala government outlines a systematic and vertically integrated approach to developing the state’s rare earth value chain. With a proposed investment of ₹42,000 crore, the corridor goes beyond infrastructure creation and signals a strategic shift toward value-added manufacturing, reducing dependence on raw material exports.

Aligning with Global Critical Minerals and Energy Transition Goals

Importantly, the initiative aligns with global efforts to secure critical minerals essential for energy transition technologies. As countries worldwide race to localise supply chains for rare earth elements, Kerala’s plan positions the state as a strategic player in India’s emerging critical minerals ecosystem.

₹100 Crore Mission Creates a Public-Sector Rare Earth Ecosystem

As part of the broader strategy, the state has allocated ₹100 crore for the Rare Earth Critical Minerals Mission. This mission brings together Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML), Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (KELTRON), and the Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC) in a trilateral public-sector partnership. Together, this institutional framework integrates mining operations, electronics manufacturing capabilities, and advanced research infrastructure—creating a rare, end-to-end public-sector ecosystem.

Leveraging Complementary Strengths Across the Value Chain

Each partner contributes distinct strengths to the collaboration. KMML anchors the initiative with its long-standing operations at Chavara, where it already operates monazite processing facilities and titanium dioxide production units. At the same time, KELTRON brings critical technology transfer capabilities and industrial integration expertise from the electronics and technology manufacturing space.

Meanwhile, NFTDC—an autonomous R&D body under the Ministry of Mines—adds deep research expertise in nonferrous materials development. Together, the trio addresses the technical complexity of rare earth separation and processing, which demands advanced metallurgical know-how and high-precision engineering.

Chavara–Neendakara Belt Provides Proven Resource Base

Crucially, the Chavara–Neendakara coastal belt offers a strong raw material foundation, hosting world-class deposits of thorium-bearing monazite. These reserves have supported KMML’s operations for decades, demonstrating both extraction feasibility and established environmental management practices.

The monazite concentrate from these deposits contains high concentrations of light rare earth elements such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium—key inputs for permanent magnet manufacturing and clean energy technologies.

Addressing India’s Rare Earth Value Leakage

At present, India exports rare earth oxides while importing finished permanent magnets and rare earth alloys at significantly higher unit values. Kerala’s rare earth corridor directly addresses this value leakage by enabling downstream manufacturing within the country, thereby improving supply chain efficiency and economic returns.

Corridor Spurs Broader Industrial Investment

As reported by discoveryalert.com, beyond direct investments, the ₹42,000 crore corridor is already attracting ancillary and complementary projects. For instance, Greenko’s ₹10,000 crore renewable energy investment, announced at the World Economic Forum, highlights the corridor’s potential to catalyse integrated industrial and clean energy development.

India Energy Week (IEW) 2026 brought global policymakers and energy industry leaders together in Goa for high-level discussions on the future of energy transition, investment priorities, and long-term supply resilience.

Leaders Call for Balanced and Pragmatic Transition Pathways

During leadership panels, international ministers and energy CEOs stressed the importance of balanced transition strategies that align climate commitments with economic growth and universal energy access. While speakers agreed on the need to rapidly scale renewable energy and clean technologies, they also underscored the continued importance of investing in oil, gas, and LNG infrastructure to prevent supply disruptions and maintain energy security.

Investment and Technology Take Centre Stage

At the same time, key sessions focused on mobilising capital to finance the energy transition and strengthening global energy cooperation. Discussions also highlighted the role of accelerated technology deployment across hydrogen, sustainable fuels, and decarbonisation solutions in driving the next phase of the transition.

India’s Bridge Economy Role Gains Attention

Meanwhile, participants repeatedly pointed to India’s evolving role as a bridge economy, balancing development imperatives with ambitious climate action. Speakers noted that India’s approach offers a pragmatic model for other emerging economies navigating similar energy challenges.

Consensus Builds Around Collaboration and Innovation

The day concluded with a strong consensus on the need for deeper collaboration among governments, industry, and financial institutions. Leaders agreed that capital mobilisation, innovation-led growth, and long-term policy certainty will be critical to delivering an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable global energy transition.

Stallion India Fluorochemicals Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Portugal-based SYS ADVANCE to collaborate on advanced systems and equipment for helium recovery and liquefaction. With this agreement, Stallion takes a decisive step into high-value industrial gas technologies.

SYS ADVANCE Brings Space-Qualified Helium Technology

SYS ADVANCE is a globally recognised manufacturer of industrial gas equipment and a leading developer of containerised helium recovery systems. Notably, European space agencies have qualified its technology for space and cryogenic applications, highlighting its reliability in demanding environments.

At the same time, the partnership addresses a growing global challenge. Helium remains a scarce and critical resource with essential applications in space research, medical imaging, semiconductor fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. As a result, recovery and recycling have become increasingly vital.

Expanding Advanced Helium Solutions in India

Through the collaboration, Stallion aims to introduce advanced helium recovery and liquefaction solutions to the Indian market. In parallel, the company is working closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to support long-term helium recycling requirements for India’s space programmes.

In addition, Stallion has participated in a major ISRO tender related to helium recovery and liquefaction systems, reinforcing its intent to play a strategic role in India’s critical gas infrastructure.

Driving Growth Through Advanced Gas Technologies

Backed by the technology tie-up, an expanding asset base, and a diversified product portfolio, Stallion has outlined a three-year revenue growth guidance of 30–35 percent. The company believes that its entry into advanced gas technologies will not only drive sustainable long-term value for stakeholders but also strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical industrial gases.

Growing Manufacturing Footprint

Incorporated in 2002, Stallion India Fluorochemicals Limited operates as a specialised player in refrigerants and industrial gases. The company serves a wide range of industries, including air conditioning, refrigeration, fire protection, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and glass manufacturing.

As reported by themachinemaker.com, Stallion operates strategic manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana, while additional facilities are under development in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Moreover, its strong focus on refrigerant gases, specialty gases, semiconductor gases, and high-purity industrial gases—supported by advanced gas blending capabilities—sets Stallion apart and positions it as a key solution provider across multiple industrial segments.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and GAIL (India) Limited have entered into a long-term charter agreement for the LNG carrier “GAIL BHUWAN.” The partnership marks another milestone in the two companies’ longstanding collaboration in LNG shipping and energy logistics.

Agreement Signed at India Energy Week 2026

The signing ceremony took place on 27 January 2026 during India Energy Week 2026 in Goa. GAIL and LNG Japonica Shipping Corporation Limited—a joint venture between MOL (74%) and GAIL (26%)—formally executed the agreement.

Hisashi Umemura, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Director General of MOL’s Energy Business Headquarters, and S. Bairagi, Executive Director (International Shipping & LNG) at GAIL, signed the contract in the presence of GAIL’s Chairman & Managing Director, functional directors, and senior representatives from MOL.

Strengthening LNG Shipping and Energy Logistics

Building on decades of partnership, the agreement further deepens cooperation between MOL and GAIL in LNG transportation. Leveraging MOL’s proven expertise in safe, high-quality, and reliable maritime operations, the charter reinforces supply chain resilience across India’s growing energy ecosystem.

Supporting India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

Importantly, the charter aligns with India’s ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, strengthening national maritime capabilities and enhancing energy supply security. At the same time, both MOL and GAIL remain committed to their ambitious net-zero emission targets, with this collaboration contributing to the global transition toward a low-carbon and decarbonized future.

MOL Expands Energy Focus in India Under BLUE ACTION 2035

Meanwhile, MOL continues to advance its regional growth strategy under its group management plan “BLUE ACTION 2035.” By identifying Asia as a high-growth region—and India as a key market—MOL has steadily expanded its business footprint in the country. Through the growth of its energy portfolio, including LNG transportation projects such as this charter, MOL aims to support rising energy demand while contributing to a stable and efficient energy supply chain.

GAIL Strengthens LNG Portfolio and Maritime Capabilities

As India’s leading natural gas company, GAIL operates across the entire natural gas value chain, including trading, transmission, LPG, LNG shipping, re-gasification, petrochemicals, city gas distribution, and E&P activities. The company owns and operates more than 18,001 km of natural gas pipelines across India.

As per the press release, in addition, GAIL maintains one of the world’s most diversified LNG portfolios to ensure long-term supply security. Through its logistics integration strategy, the company has also built India’s largest LNG carrier fleet, reinforcing maritime strength and ensuring uninterrupted LNG availability to meet the country’s growing domestic demand.

BASF, the multinational chemical company, plans to establish a global Digital Hub in Hyderabad by the first quarter of 2026. With this move, the company will strengthen its expanding network of Digital Hubs across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, reinforcing its global digital backbone.

Strengthening Global Digital Collaboration

According to Dirk Elvermann, BASF’s Chief Financial and Digital Officer, the upcoming India-based hub will work in close coordination with existing Digital Hubs worldwide. As a result, BASF aims to improve cross-regional collaboration while accelerating the delivery of digital services across its global operations.

Focus on Value-Driven Digital Transformation

At the same time, BASF is sharpening its focus on digital initiatives that deliver maximum value to its core businesses. In parallel, the company is evaluating structural adjustments as part of its long-term strategy, which includes plans for workforce optimization extending through 2030.

Hiring Under New Indian Digital Entity

Preparations for the Hyderabad Digital Hub are already in progress. BASF has initiated recruitment activities through a newly formed entity, BASF Digital Solutions Private Limited, signaling the operational rollout of the hub.

Reinforcing BASF’s Long-Term India Strategy

As reported by devdiscourse.com, overall, the Digital Hub aligns with BASF’s long-established footprint in India. By deepening its digital capabilities in the country, BASF underscores its continued commitment to digital innovation, operational excellence, and global service delivery.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) signed an agreement to collaborate on deepwater offshore exploration and production (E&P) operations along India’s East Coast, focusing on the Krishna Godavari (KG) Basin and Andaman offshore areas. The partnership aims to share key resources required for offshore operations, including both onshore and offshore processing facilities, to improve efficiency and reduce duplication across operators.

Strengthening India’s Energy Security

“The agreement reflects the Government of India’s focus on energy security through scaled domestic exploration and production, supported by progressive regulations, streamlined infrastructure, and industry collaboration,” ONGC stated. By pooling critical resources, the collaboration is expected to optimize costs, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate project execution, strengthening India’s deepwater E&P capabilities.

Shared Facilities and Operational Benefits

Under the agreement, ONGC and Reliance will share high-value assets and infrastructure, including:

*Drilling rigs and specialised subsea equipment

*Marine vessels such as MSVs, tugs, and PSVs

*Pipelines and power infrastructure

*Logging and well services

The structured framework will allow faster mobilisation and execution of offshore projects, while improving resource utilisation by reducing idle capacity and duplication across operators. Additionally, the shared arrangement will enhance operational resilience and safety preparedness, leveraging joint emergency response systems and training programmes.

Aligned with ORDA Act 2025

The collaboration is fully aligned with the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 2025 (ORDA Act 2025), introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG). The Act provides a clear regulatory framework for E&P operators to share infrastructure and facilities, both onshore and offshore, enabling more efficient oilfield development and hydrocarbon production.

A Step Towards Efficient Deepwater Development

As reported by msn.com, by sharing infrastructure and capabilities, ONGC and Reliance aim to accelerate deepwater exploration, optimize costs, and strengthen operational efficiency, reflecting a broader trend of collaboration-driven growth in India’s energy sector.