The GET H2 Nukleus hydrogen project reached a major milestone, with the first hydrogen produced through electrolysis in Lingen, Lower Saxony, successfully reaching Marl in the northern Ruhr region. The delivery demonstrates that hydrogen production, transport infrastructure and industrial consumption can operate together as an integrated system.

Renewable Hydrogen Moves Through 120-Kilometre Pipeline Network

As part of the ongoing commissioning of two 100-megawatt (MW) electrolysis plants operated by RWE in Lingen, the facilities have started producing initial quantities of renewable hydrogen in line with European Union requirements. The hydrogen travels through a pipeline network spanning approximately 120 kilometres. Transmission system operators Nowega and OGE, along with SYNEQT, an Evonik subsidiary, operate key parts of the infrastructure. The network transports the hydrogen to Evonik’s Marl Chemical Park, where industries can use it directly in production processes. This successful delivery therefore marks an important step towards integrating renewable hydrogen into industrial operations.

GET H2 Nukleus Supports Germany’s Hydrogen Network

Parts of the GET H2 Nukleus project receive funding from the German federal government and the states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia through the IPCEI Hy2Infra programme (Important Projects of Common European Interest). Moreover, the pipelines form some of the first sections of Germany’s emerging hydrogen core network. Thomas Hüwener, CEO of OGE, said the project is bringing the company’s first hydrogen pipelines into network operation. He added that GET H2 Nukleus will help establish the hydrogen economy in the region while allowing operators to test important processes such as network access, capacity booking and balancing under real operating conditions.

RWE Advances 300 MW Electrolysis Capacity

RWE Generation SE CEO Nikolaus Valerius highlighted the successful connection between renewable hydrogen production, transport infrastructure and industrial demand. RWE plans to commission 200 MW of electrolysis capacity in Lingen by the end of 2026. Subsequently, the company expects the entire facility to reach 300 MW capacity from 2027. The hydrogen produced at RWE’s electrolysis facilities complies with EU requirements for Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO). Customers will also receive sustainability certification, allowing them to include renewable hydrogen in their decarbonisation accounting.

Project Partners Move into Real-World Operations

The successful hydrogen delivery also reflects years of collaboration among the project partners. According to Frank Heunemann, Managing Director of Nowega, early engagement with customers and joint project development helped establish the foundations for the new hydrogen system. The partners are now moving from project development into practical operation, where the individual components can work together under real-world conditions. The companies had already gained experience through the GET H2 TransHyDE research project. They can now build on that knowledge by operating the complete hydrogen system under actual industrial conditions.

Hydrogen Strengthens Marl Chemical Park

For SYNEQT, the arrival of hydrogen at the Marl Chemical Park represents another step towards the site’s sustainable transformation. Thomas Basten, Chairman of the Management Board of SYNEQT, said the hydrogen can be used directly in industrial processes once it reaches Marl. In addition, reliable access to hydrogen could make the chemical park more attractive to new businesses seeking low-carbon energy and feedstock solutions. The long-term cooperation between the project partners has helped combine their expertise and establish infrastructure for the hydrogen ramp-up in the chemical industry.

More Hydrogen Pipelines and Storage Projects Underway

The GET H2 Nukleus network continues to expand. Several connected infrastructure projects have already been completed or are currently under development. One major milestone came at the end of 2025, when OGE and Nowega completed a 10-kilometre new-build hydrogen pipeline between Heek and Epe. The pipeline connects the network with hydrogen storage infrastructure. Furthermore, RWE Gas Storage West plans to begin filling the first commercial cavern storage facility for hydrogen in Europe at the end of 2026. The facility is scheduled to enter operation in mid-2027. To connect additional industrial customers, OGE and Nowega are also converting an existing pipeline between Legden and Dorsten for hydrogen transport by 2027. In parallel, they are constructing a new pipeline connecting Dorsten and Marl. A further pipeline linking SYNEQT’s Marl Chemical Park with the refinery in Gelsenkirchen-Scholven has already been completed.

Building the Foundation for Germany’s Hydrogen Economy

The first renewable hydrogen delivery from Lingen to Marl demonstrates the growing integration of electrolysis, hydrogen pipelines, storage and industrial demand. With additional electrolysers, pipelines and storage facilities progressing, GET H2 Nukleus is helping establish the infrastructure needed to scale renewable hydrogen use across Germany. As per the press release, for the chemical industry in particular, the project could provide an important pathway towards industrial decarbonisation, while simultaneously supporting the development of a broader hydrogen economy.

The government is stepping up efforts to promote balanced fertilizer use, sustainable agriculture and improved soil health through the PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM). Alongside PM-PRANAM, the government is expanding organic farming, natural farming and precision nutrient management initiatives. Together, these programmes aim to reduce excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers, improve soil fertility and encourage more sustainable agricultural practices across India.

PM-PRANAM Encourages States to Reduce Chemical Fertilizer Use

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the PM-PRANAM scheme on June 28, 2023, for implementation from 2023-24 to 2025-26.  The scheme encourages States and Union Territories (UTs) to reduce their consumption of chemical fertilizers, including urea, Di-mmonium Phosphate (DAP), NPK fertilizers and Muriate of Potash (MOP). At the same time, PM-PRANAM promotes balanced nutrient application, alternative fertilizers, organic farming and resource-conservation technologies.

Financial Incentives Linked to Fertilizer Savings

PM-PRANAM uses financial incentives to encourage States and UTs to reduce chemical fertilizer consumption. States and UTs that reduce fertilizer consumption compared with their average consumption during the previous three financial years become eligible for an incentive equivalent to 50% of the fertilizer subsidy saved. Of this amount, 95% is allocated to the concerned State or UT, while the remaining 5% is retained by the Government of India.

The State or UT can use its share as follows:

65% for capital expenditure projects, preferably under Centrally Sponsored Schemes

30% for activities such as Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns

This performance-linked approach aims to encourage States to adopt more efficient and balanced fertilizer-use practices.

Five States and UTs Reduce Fertilizer Consumption

According to the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, five States and UTs recorded a cumulative reduction of 0.18 lakh metric tonnes in chemical fertilizer consumption during 2025-26 compared with their average consumption during the preceding three financial years. The five regions were Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Delhi, Goa, Manipur and Mizoram. However, incentives under PM-PRANAM have not yet been disbursed.

Organic Farming Receives Policy Support

The government is complementing PM-PRANAM with initiatives that encourage organic farming and balanced nutrient management. Organic farming is being promoted through the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) across States and UTs and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) in the northeastern states. Introduced in 2015-16, both programmes provide end-to-end support covering organic production, processing, certification and marketing. They also encourage farmers to form organic farming clusters, particularly benefiting small and marginal farmers.

PKVY Covers Nearly 19 Lakh Hectares

Under PKVY, farmers receive financial assistance of ₹31,500 per hectare over three years. This includes ₹15,000 per hectare through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for purchasing organic inputs. As of June 30, 2026, PKVY had covered 18.93 lakh hectares and benefited approximately 33.63 lakh farmers. The Centre has released ₹2,811.36 crore as its share under the programme.

MOVCDNER Expands Organic Farming in Northeast India

The MOVCDNER scheme provides assistance of ₹46,500 per hectare over three years for establishing Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and supporting organic cultivation. Farmers receive ₹32,500 per hectare for organic inputs, including ₹15,000 through DBT. Since its inception, the programme has brought 2.36 lakh hectares under organic farming and benefited approximately 2.74 lakh farmers. The Centre has released ₹1,548.62 crore under the scheme.

Natural Farming Gains Momentum Under NMNF

The government has also launched the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) to promote chemical-free farming practices. Launched on November 25, 2024, the mission integrates natural farming with livestock, diversified cropping systems and traditional Indian agricultural practices. The NMNF has a total financial outlay of ₹2,481 crore, comprising a Central share of ₹1,584 crore and a State share of ₹897 crore. Under the mission, farmers adopting natural farming practices can receive an Output Based Incentive of ₹4,000 per acre per year for two years, subject to a maximum of one acre per farmer.

NMNF Reaches More Than 20 Lakh Farmers

During 2025-26, the NMNF facilitated the formation of 18,893 clusters, covering 10.32 lakh hectares and involving approximately 20.93 lakh farmers. To strengthen implementation at the grassroots level, the government trained 33,257 Krishi Sakhis and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and established 7,601 Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) across the country. Furthermore, natural farming awareness programmes reached 33.89 lakh farmers during the financial year. The government also collected 18.13 lakh soil samples, while spending ₹599.68 crore out of the allocated ₹725 crore. More than 22.47 lakh farmers have registered under the Natural Farming Certification System (NFCS), with over 14.43 lakh farmers already certified.

Precision Nutrient Management Improves Fertilizer Efficiency

Alongside organic and natural farming, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is promoting precision nutrient management to improve fertilizer-use efficiency. ICAR has developed drip fertigation schedules for 50 crops across 14 agro-ecological regions. These recommendations are being disseminated through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), frontline demonstrations, field demonstrations and farmer training programmes. By matching nutrient application with crop and regional requirements, these practices can help farmers optimise fertilizer use while maintaining or improving crop productivity.

Organic Nutrient Sources Gain Wider Adoption

ICAR is also promoting several organic nutrient sources as part of efforts to improve soil health and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers.

These include:

Farm Yard Manure (FYM)

Phosphocompost

Vermicompost

Bio-enriched compost

Municipal solid waste compost

Enriched fermented organic manures

ICAR is promoting these alternatives through field demonstrations, awareness campaigns, training programmes and media outreach.

Integrated Approach Targets Sustainable Agriculture

The combined implementation of PM-PRANAM, organic farming schemes, the National Mission on Natural Farming and precision nutrient management initiatives is creating a broader framework for sustainable agriculture in India. These programmes aim to reduce excessive chemical fertilizer use, improve soil health, promote environmentally sustainable farming practices and enhance long-term agricultural productivity. As reported by ddindia.co.in, as India focuses increasingly on resource-efficient agriculture, the integration of balanced fertilizer use, organic inputs, natural farming and precision nutrient management could help build a more resilient and sustainable farming system while supporting farmers’ productivity and incomes.

India’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector has expanded significantly over the past 12 years, supported by policy reforms, infrastructure development, investment promotion and capacity-building initiatives led by the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals. These measures have strengthened domestic manufacturing, encouraged innovation and created a stronger foundation for the government’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.

PCPIRs Attract Rs. 3.4 Lakh Crore in Investments

India’s three operational Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions (PCPIRs) at Dahej in Gujarat, Visakhapatnam-Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh and Paradeep in Odisha have emerged as important manufacturing and investment hubs. Together, these PCPIRs have attracted investments worth Rs. 3.4 lakh crore (US$ 40.54 billion), generated employment for nearly 3.7 lakh people and facilitated the establishment of more than 2,200 chemical manufacturing units. The development of these industrial clusters has consequently strengthened India’s chemical manufacturing ecosystem while creating opportunities for further investments across the value chain.

Chemical Sector FDI Nearly Doubles

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has also increased substantially, reflecting growing investor interest in India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry. Between 2014 and 2026, the sector attracted FDI inflows of Rs. 1,04,895 crore (US$ 12.51 billion). This compares with Rs. 45,240 crore (US$ 8.78 billion) received during the 2004-2014 period. The increase highlights India’s growing attractiveness as a destination for chemical manufacturing investments and supports the country’s efforts to strengthen domestic production capabilities.

Quality Standards Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

Alongside investment promotion, the government has introduced measures to improve product quality and protect domestic manufacturers from sub-standard imports. So far, the government has implemented 37 Quality Control Orders (QCOs) covering various chemical products. These measures aim to ensure that products entering the Indian market meet specified quality and safety standards. In addition, the government has approved 10 Plastic Parks, of which four have completed their infrastructure. These parks are expected to support integrated plastic manufacturing, improve infrastructure availability and enhance the competitiveness of India’s plastics industry.

CIPET Expands Research and Skill Development

The government has also strengthened the sector through investments in research, technology, innovation and skill development. The Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET) has expanded its network to 51 centres, including 19 centres established since 2014. The institute has trained nearly 6.72 lakh professionals and completed approximately 8.53 lakh technology support service assignments. This expanding technical and skill-development network is helping the industry access a larger pool of trained professionals and technology-support capabilities.

IPFT Advances Biopesticide Technologies

The Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT) has also contributed to strengthening India’s agrochemical and biotechnology capabilities. IPFT has transferred 64 pesticide formulation technologies to industry. Furthermore, the Department of Biotechnology has provided Rs. 28.69 crore (US$ 3.01 million) to establish a Biofoundry Facility focused on biopesticides and advanced biological formulations. The facility is expected to support research and technology development in biological crop-protection products while encouraging greater adoption of innovative and sustainable agricultural solutions.

BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme to Support Chemical Manufacturing

The government has further strengthened its industrial policy through the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme, recently approved by the Union Cabinet with an outlay of Rs. 3,030 crore (US$ 317.58 million). The scheme will support the establishment of three plug-and-play Chemical Parks. By providing ready-to-use industrial infrastructure, the initiative aims to accelerate project development and reduce the time and cost involved in setting up new manufacturing facilities. Moreover, the Chemical Parks are expected to reduce import dependence, attract investments and improve the global competitiveness of Indian chemical manufacturers.

India Strengthens Its Position as a Global Chemical Manufacturing Hub

Taken together, these initiatives are reshaping India’s chemicals and petrochemicals landscape. Investments in industrial infrastructure, FDI promotion, quality standards, research, skill development and technology are creating a stronger ecosystem for long-term industry growth. As a result, India is better positioned to attract new investments, increase manufacturing capacity, boost exports and generate employment. As reported by ibef.org, continued policy support and infrastructure development could further strengthen India’s position as a competitive global hub for chemicals and petrochemicals manufacturing, while advancing the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047.

The government is preparing a Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for polysilicon manufacturing as it seeks to strengthen the domestic solar manufacturing value chain and reduce the country’s dependence on imports. Polysilicon is a critical raw material for manufacturing solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. At present, India relies almost entirely on imports to meet its polysilicon requirements. The proposed support scheme could therefore play an important role in building domestic manufacturing capabilities and strengthening supply-chain security.

New Support Scheme to Promote Domestic Polysilicon Production

Speaking at the seventh Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) International Energy Conference and Exhibition, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary at the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), said the government is working on a support scheme to encourage polysilicon manufacturing in India. The proposed PLI framework is aimed at attracting investment into this strategically important segment and creating a stronger domestic supply base for the solar industry. As a result, the initiative could help reduce import dependence while supporting the government’s broader efforts to develop an integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Polysilicon Forms the Foundation of the Solar PV Supply Chain

Polysilicon occupies the upstream end of the solar PV manufacturing value chain. Manufacturers first process polysilicon into ingots, which are subsequently sliced into wafers. These wafers are then used to manufacture solar cells, which are finally assembled into solar PV modules or panels.

The overall manufacturing chain can therefore be broadly represented as:

Polysilicon → Ingots → Wafers → Solar Cells → Solar Modules

Developing domestic capabilities across these stages can help India establish a more integrated and resilient solar manufacturing industry.

Upstream Solar Manufacturing Faces Implementation Challenges

India’s existing PLI scheme for solar PV modules covers both upstream and downstream segments. The upstream segment includes polysilicon, ingots and wafers, while the downstream segment covers solar cells and modules. However, implementation and investment in upstream manufacturing have progressed more slowly, particularly in areas such as polysilicon refining and ingot and wafer production. The proposed dedicated support for polysilicon could therefore address a critical gap in India’s solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Government Views Polysilicon as a Strategic Industry

The government is also considering polysilicon manufacturing as an independent industrial sector rather than treating it solely as one component of the solar manufacturing value chain. This approach reflects the nature of polysilicon production, which involves significant chemical processing and refining. Consequently, developing domestic polysilicon capacity could create capabilities that extend beyond the solar industry. Moreover, higher-purity polysilicon has potential applications in the semiconductor industry, making domestic production strategically relevant to India’s broader ambitions in advanced manufacturing and electronics.

PLI Could Strengthen India’s Solar and Semiconductor Ecosystems

A dedicated PLI scheme for polysilicon could encourage large-scale investments in refining and processing capacity. At the same time, it could strengthen the upstream segment of India’s solar PV industry and reduce exposure to global supply-chain disruptions. More importantly, building domestic expertise in polysilicon refining could create synergies between India’s renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing ambitions. As reported by indianexpress.com, as India continues to expand its solar power capacity, developing a reliable domestic supply of critical raw materials will become increasingly important. The proposed polysilicon PLI scheme could therefore become a key step towards creating a more integrated, competitive and self-reliant clean-energy manufacturing ecosystem.

India has significantly expanded its ethanol manufacturing capacity over the past decade, with current distillation capacity reaching 2,019 crore litres per annum. This is nearly twice the approximately 1,040 crore litres of ethanol supplied to state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) during the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, which ran from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, according to government data. The substantial increase in capacity reflects the rapid expansion of India’s ethanol blending programme and growing investment in ethanol production infrastructure.

India Has 478 Ethanol Manufacturing Units

According to the latest official data submitted by Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi in Parliament on August 3, India currently has 478 ethanol manufacturing units across 22 states. The capacity expansion represents a major transformation in India’s ethanol industry. In fact, the country had significantly lower ethanol production capacity and blending levels just over a decade ago.

Ethanol Capacity Has Expanded Rapidly Since 2014

A December 20, 2024 statement from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution highlighted the scale of India’s ethanol capacity growth. Until 2014, molasses-based distilleries had a combined ethanol distillation capacity of less than 200 crore litres. During ESY 2013-14, ethanol supplies to OMCs stood at only 38 crore litres, while the ethanol blending level was just 1.53%. However, policy interventions over the past decade have accelerated investment in both molasses-based and grain-based ethanol production.

By November 30, 2024, capacity had increased to approximately:

941 crore litres from molasses-based distilleries

744 crore litres from grain-based distilleries

This rapid expansion has helped establish a much stronger domestic ethanol supply base.

Maharashtra Leads India’s Ethanol Production

Maharashtra currently has the largest number of ethanol-producing distilleries in India, with 145 units. Uttar Pradesh follows with 79 units, while Karnataka has 50.

Other major ethanol-producing states include:

Madhya Pradesh – 27 units

Punjab – 25 units

Bihar – 22 units

Haryana – 19 units

Gujarat – 17 units

Andhra Pradesh – 16 units

Tamil Nadu – 16 units

Chhattisgarh – 10 units

Telangana – 10 units

Meanwhile, several states have fewer than 10 ethanol distilleries. Odisha and West Bengal have eight units each, followed by Uttarakhand and Jharkhand with six each. Assam and Rajasthan have four units each, while Himachal Pradesh has three. Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Sikkim currently have one ethanol distillery each.

Maharashtra Also Has the Highest Ethanol Capacity

Maharashtra not only leads in the number of distilleries but also has the country’s highest annual ethanol distillation capacity at 389 crore litres. Uttar Pradesh ranks second with 344 crore litres, followed by Karnataka with 321 crore litres. Other states with substantial annual capacity include:

Madhya Pradesh – 131 crore litres

Punjab – 127 crore litres

Haryana – 99 crore litres

Bihar – 97 crore litres

Several other states have annual ethanol production capacities below 90 crore litres. These include Andhra Pradesh at 64 crore litres, West Bengal at 61 crore litres, Telangana at 57 crore litres, Chhattisgarh at 46 crore litres, Gujarat at 44 crore litres, Odisha at 42 crore litres and Uttarakhand at 42 crore litres.

Smaller States Continue to Build Ethanol Capacity

States with annual ethanol distillation capacity below 40 crore litres include Jharkhand at 36 crore litres, Tamil Nadu at 34 crore litres, Assam at 29 crore litres, Himachal Pradesh at 22 crore litres and Rajasthan at 21 crore litres. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir has a capacity of 8 crore litres, Meghalaya 3 crore litres and Sikkim 2 crore litres. The distribution of capacity across 22 states highlights the growing geographical footprint of India’s ethanol industry.

Ethanol Blending Programme Supports Energy Security

The expansion of ethanol capacity has taken place alongside the rapid growth of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme. According to a July 5, 2026 background note from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the expanding EBP programme has helped India reduce crude oil imports, conserve foreign exchange and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, the programme has created new market opportunities for farmers and strengthened their incomes by generating additional demand for agricultural feedstocks used in ethanol production.

India’s Ethanol Industry Enters a New Phase

India’s ethanol sector has therefore undergone a significant transformation over the past decade. From less than 200 crore litres of molasses-based distillation capacity before 2014, the country now has 2,019 crore litres of total ethanol distillation capacity across 478 manufacturing units. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the capacity expansion provides India with a stronger foundation to support ethanol blending, enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

The GOBARdhan scheme could become a major turning point for India’s compressed biogas (CBG) sector, helping the industry move beyond project announcements towards actual project execution. Although nearly 1,900 CBG projects are currently registered on the government portal, only 216 have been commissioned, with most operating at a relatively small scale. This gap highlights a key challenge for the sector. Entrepreneurial interest in CBG projects is strong; however, developers continue to face difficulties in making projects bankable and executing them at scale.

Policy Support Targets CBG Project Bankability

The new GOBARdhan framework directly addresses several of these challenges by introducing a combination of policy and financial support measures.

These include:

Assured offtake mechanisms

A 10-year pricing framework

Capital assistance

Pipeline connectivity

Credit guarantees

Together, these measures can reduce investment risks and improve the financial viability of CBG projects. More importantly, they could help position CBG as a bankable infrastructure asset rather than simply an emerging clean-energy opportunity.

GOBARdhan Outlay Could Unlock Larger Investments

The significance of GOBARdhan extends beyond its Rs 23,731 crore outlay. By creating greater visibility around offtake, pricing and financing, the framework could encourage developers and financial institutions to take a longer-term view of CBG projects. Consequently, stronger policy certainty could help convert a larger number of registered projects into operational plants.

India Needs Rapid CBG Capacity Expansion

India needs to add approximately 1,000 tonnes per day (TPD) of CBG capacity every year to reach around 4,000 TPD by FY29. Achieving this target would require nearly Rs 24,000 crore in investment over just three years. This expansion will require not only new capital but also efficient project development, reliable feedstock supply and high plant utilisation.

CBG Investment Could Cross Rs 50,000 Crore by 2030

With the enhanced policy support, India could potentially attract at least Rs 50,000 crore of new investment into CBG projects by 2030. However, achieving this investment potential will depend on the industry’s ability to overcome two critical operational challenges: reliable feedstock aggregation and consistently high plant utilisation. Developers will therefore need to build resilient supply chains while ensuring that plants operate efficiently and consistently.

Scale and Integration Will Define the Next CBG Growth Phase

The next phase of India’s CBG industry is likely to favour companies that can develop projects at scale and integrate the entire value chain. Successful players will need to bring together feedstock aggregation, CBG technology, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), plant operations and gas marketing to deliver predictable and commercially viable gas output. As per the press release, GOBARdhan can provide the policy foundation for India’s CBG expansion. However, sustained investment and capacity growth will depend on the industry’s ability to convert this policy support into bankable projects, reliable operations and commercially sustainable CBG production.

Amid recent reports raising concerns about moisture and chloride levels in E20 petrol (Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit), Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have conducted nationwide, intensive testing across the entire fuel supply chain. The extensive testing has reaffirmed that E20 petrol supplied through the OMC network continues to meet prescribed fuel quality specifications. Contrary to certain claims of widespread contamination, the additional testing has found no evidence of any systemic fuel-quality concern. The results from scientifically designed and independently validated tests indicate that fuel quality remains consistently within the prescribed limits.

Fuel Quality Remains a Top Priority

OMCs have reiterated that fuel quality and consumer safety remain their highest priorities. Therefore, any issue that could potentially affect vehicle performance or consumer confidence is investigated promptly through scientific testing, root-cause analysis and corrective action. Furthermore, quality surveillance has been strengthened across every stage of the E20 petrol supply chain, from ethanol production and refineries to depots, tank trucks and retail outlets.

Stringent Chloride Monitoring Across the Supply Chain

The Government of India has prescribed stringent chloride specifications for ethanol used in petrol blending. In addition, a high-frequency monitoring mechanism is in place to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain.

Chloride levels are monitored at multiple points, including:

Refineries

Ethanol distilleries

Depots and terminals

Tank trucks

Retail outlets

This comprehensive monitoring system helps identify any deviation at an early stage and ensures that fuel quality is maintained as E20 petrol moves from production to consumers.

Petrol from Refineries Records Chloride Levels Below 1 ppm

Additional testing of Motor Spirit (MS) samples from refineries has further reinforced the quality of petrol entering the supply chain. More than 100 randomly selected petrol samples collected from various refineries were tested. All samples recorded chloride levels at or below 1 ppm. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the quality-control measures integrated into India’s refining, storage and dispatch processes.

Ethanol from Distilleries Meets Quality Requirements

Ethanol is the principal blending component in E20 petrol. Therefore, maintaining its quality is critical to ensuring the quality of the final blended fuel. Ethanol samples collected directly from distilleries have consistently recorded chloride levels significantly below the prescribed specification, indicating effective quality-control practices at the production stage. Moreover, a dedicated task force comprising members from OMCs and the Centre for High Technology (CHT) tested ethanol samples from 80 distilleries across India over the past 10 days. All samples recorded chloride levels below 3 ppm.

E20 Petrol at Depots and Terminals Remains Within Limits

Testing has also been intensified at OMC depots and terminals to verify fuel quality after blending and during storage and distribution. More than 80 samples collected from different OMC terminals across the country were tested. Chloride levels in all these samples remained below 3 ppm. Therefore, the results indicate that fuel quality continues to be maintained as E20 petrol passes through the OMC storage and distribution infrastructure.

Retail Outlet Testing Finds Chloride Levels of 0–3 ppm

OMCs have also significantly increased surveillance at retail outlets (ROs), where E20 petrol is ultimately delivered to consumers. Under the intensified monitoring programme, more than 160 retail outlet samples have been analysed for chloride content in recent days. The samples recorded chloride levels in the range of 0–3 ppm, contrary to claims of chloride concentrations running into several hundred ppm. The intensified surveillance did, however, identify two isolated instances of elevated chloride levels. The affected supplies were immediately suspended. OMCs subsequently carried out detailed root-cause analyses and implemented appropriate corrective measures before restoring supplies. This approach enables OMCs to quickly isolate deviations and prevent potentially affected fuel from reaching consumers.

Water-Ingress Testing Strengthened at Retail Outlets

Alongside chloride testing, OMCs have stepped up monitoring for possible water ingress into underground storage tanks at retail outlets. Approximately 90,000 retail outlets have commenced mandatory inspection and monitoring of their underground storage tanks. These tanks are being inspected between 8 and 12 times every day as part of the intensified quality-assurance programme. So far, the inspections have not revealed any instances of water ingress.

Multiple Layers of E20 Fuel Quality Assurance

In addition to established quality-control protocols, OMCs have introduced further surveillance measures to strengthen fuel-quality monitoring. These include:

Water-ingress inspections at retail outlets

Density testing conducted 8–12 times daily

Increased chloride testing across the supply chain

Mobile fuel-quality testing laboratories deployed at various locations

Independent validation of test results through fuel laboratories

Root-cause analysis and corrective action wherever deviations are identified

Together, these measures provide multiple layers of quality assurance from the refinery and distillery through to the retail outlet.

Test Results Available on CHT Website

A tabulated summary of the additional testing conducted across the E20 petrol supply chain is available on the official website of the Centre for High Technology (CHT) at www.cht.gov.in. The information will be updated as additional test results become available, providing continued transparency on E20 petrol quality monitoring.

Consumers Can Continue Using E20 Petrol With Confidence

The intensified nationwide testing by OMCs has reaffirmed that E20 petrol supplied through the OMC network conforms to prescribed quality specifications. While isolated deviations can occur within any large and complex supply chain, the strengthened surveillance system enables OMCs to detect, isolate and address such cases promptly. As per the press release, overall, the test results from refineries, distilleries, depots, terminals and retail outlets indicate that E20 petrol quality remains within prescribed limits. OMCs will continue to undertake continuous quality surveillance and take decisive corrective action wherever required. Consumers can therefore continue to use E20 petrol with confidence, supported by robust quality-control systems and intensified monitoring designed to protect fuel quality, vehicle performance and consumer interests at every stage of the supply chain.

Kemira has completed the acquisition of REPUR S.r.l., an Italy-based provider of activated carbon reactivation services for municipal and industrial water treatment applications. The acquisition strengthens Kemira’s sustainable water treatment portfolio while supporting its strategy to expand its presence in the water sector and capture new opportunities in circular economy markets. REPUR generated slightly more than €5 million in revenue in 2025 and employs 21 people. The companies have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Acquisition Strengthens Circular Water Treatment Solutions

REPUR specialises in the thermal reactivation of spent activated carbon, a process that enables customers to restore and reuse carbon media used in water treatment applications. Instead of replacing spent activated carbon with virgin material, reactivation allows the carbon to return to service. Consequently, the process can help customers improve resource efficiency, reduce material consumption and support more circular water treatment operations. The acquisition therefore strengthens Kemira’s ability to offer solutions that combine water treatment performance with circularity and resource efficiency.

Activated Carbon Supports Contaminant Removal

Activated carbon plays an increasingly important role in water treatment because of its ability to remove a wide range of contaminants. According to Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, EVP, Water Solutions, the acquisition demonstrates Kemira’s growth strategy while also addressing the growing importance of activated carbon in water treatment. She noted that regenerating and reactivating spent activated carbon can further support circularity and improve resource efficiency.

REPUR Business to Join Kemira’s Water Solutions Unit

Following the acquisition, Kemira will integrate the REPUR business into its Water Solutions business unit. Operations will continue from REPUR’s existing location in Italy, helping maintain business continuity for customers while bringing the acquired capabilities into Kemira’s broader water treatment portfolio. The acquisition represents another step in Kemira’s strategy to expand its water business while developing solutions for markets increasingly focused on sustainability, circularity and efficient resource use. As per the press release, by adding activated carbon reactivation capabilities to its portfolio, Kemira can strengthen its offering for municipal and industrial water treatment customers while supporting the transition from a linear consumption model towards greater reuse of critical treatment materials.

Biocon is optimistic about a stronger performance in the second half of FY27, driven by the commercial rollout of its recently launched biosimilars and generic products in the United States. The company expects these launches to contribute significantly to revenue growth over the coming quarters.

US Product Launches to Drive Revenue Growth

Shreehas Tambe, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Biocon, said the company expects a much stronger second half compared with the first half of the financial year. According to Tambe, Biocon has recently launched five products in the US, creating new growth opportunities in one of its key international markets.

New Biosimilars Strengthen US Portfolio

The company’s recent US launches include the biosimilar aflibercept (Yesafili), denosumab biosimilars Bosaya and Aukelso, and generic liraglutide. In addition, Biocon expects the generic liraglutide business to benefit from favourable regulatory changes in the US market, further supporting revenue growth.

Q1 Revenue Rises 10%

For the quarter ended June 2026, Biocon reported consolidated revenue of ₹4,336 crore, registering a 10% year-on-year increase compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The company attributed the growth to steady business performance across its segments and expects the contribution from its newly launched products to accelerate in the coming quarters.

Outlook Remains Positive

Biocon believes its expanding biosimilar portfolio and continued product launches in the United States will strengthen its growth trajectory during the second half of FY27. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with multiple commercial launches gaining traction and a supportive regulatory environment, the company expects improved revenue momentum and stronger financial performance in the months ahead.

Pidilite Industries reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of FY27, with net profit rising 30% year-on-year to ₹884 crore. The maker of adhesives and construction chemicals successfully offset higher raw material costs through timely price increases, while maintaining robust demand across its product portfolio. The company’s consolidated revenue increased 21% to ₹4,551 crore during the quarter, supported by strong volume growth, proactive pricing measures and improved operating leverage.

Timely Price Hikes Help Offset Input Cost Inflation

During the April-June quarter, Pidilite increased prices across its consumer and bazaar product portfolio by 2% to 12% to counter the rise in raw material costs triggered by the geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The company implemented even steeper price hikes for its industrial products, enabling it to recover higher input costs without significantly affecting demand.

Strong Demand Drives Revenue and Profit Growth

Sudhanshu Vats, Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, said sustained demand, disciplined execution and proactive pricing contributed to the strong quarterly results. He added that the company delivered 11% underlying volume growth, supported by timely price revisions and efficient execution across markets. Pidilite also benefited from lower-cost inventory carried over from the previous quarter, while effectively managing costs and continuing to invest in brand building.

Pricing Strategy Focuses on Cost Recovery

Pidilite emphasised that its pricing strategy is designed to recover increases in raw material costs rather than expand profit margins. According to the company, it passes on only the actual increase in input costs while absorbing part of the inflation internally. Furthermore, if raw material prices decline, Pidilite plans to pass the benefit on to customers through trade rebates.

Supply Chain Diversification Reduces Risk

To strengthen supply chain resilience, the company has diversified its sourcing strategy by working with multiple suppliers across different geographies. As a result, Pidilite has eliminated dependence on single-source vendors and created buffer stocks of packaging material feedstock to support suppliers and minimise potential disruptions.

Urban and Rural Demand Remain Healthy

Demand remained strong across both urban and rural markets during the quarter, although urban markets outperformed rural regions. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, Pidilite remains optimistic about growth prospects and has reiterated its guidance of achieving double-digit underlying volume growth in FY27. The company expects sustained consumer demand, disciplined pricing and continued operational efficiency to support its long-term growth trajectory.