Privi Speciality Chemicals is entering a new growth phase with a planned investment of ₹12-12.5 billion to expand manufacturing capacity and reinforce its position in the global aroma chemicals market. According to an initiation report by InCred Research, the company’s integrated operations, strong customer relationships, and backward integration strategy are expected to support sustained growth in the coming years.

From Two Products to a Global Aroma Chemicals Supplier

Since starting as a two-product aroma chemical manufacturer in 1992, Privi has grown into a diversified supplier with a portfolio of more than 75 products. The company now serves major fragrance houses and consumer goods manufacturers worldwide, including Givaudan, dsm-firmenich, IFF, Symrise, Unilever and Colgate-Palmolive. InCred Research notes that aroma chemicals play a critical role in product formulations, and the lengthy qualification process required by global customers creates strong customer retention and long-term business visibility.

Capacity Expansion to Drive Future Growth

Privi is currently increasing its production capacity from approximately 48,000 tons to between 66,000 and 72,000 tons over the next three years. The expansion program includes phased brownfield capacity additions, new product manufacturing blocks and scale-up of the PRIGIV joint venture with Givaudan. The company delivered a 10.6% volume CAGR between FY21 and FY26. Analysts expect annual volume growth of around 10% through FY29, supported by higher utilisation levels and an expanding product portfolio.

New Product Pipeline Expands End-Market Reach

Privi is also developing several new products, including Menthol, Maltol, Cyclopentanone and Furfural. These additions will broaden the company’s exposure beyond fragrances into pharmaceuticals, flavours, and specialty chemicals, creating additional growth opportunities across multiple industries.

Backward Integration Strengthens Competitive Advantage

One of Privi’s key differentiators is its deep integration into pine chemistry. The company sources crude sulphate turpentine and gum turpentine oil from more than 60 mills across North America, Europe, Brazil, and Indonesia. It then converts these raw materials into critical building blocks used throughout its product range. As reported by manufacturingtodayindia.com, in addition to its existing portfolio, Privi is evaluating biotechnology-based products such as ferulic acid and bio-vanillin. While commercialisation may take several years, these initiatives align with the industry’s growing focus on sustainable and bio-based specialty chemicals.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd and the Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics and Dyes Export Promotion Council marks a major milestone for Odisha’s industrial and export ecosystem. Signed during a workshop in Bhubaneswar, the agreement establishes a long-term collaboration to help local chemical manufacturers become globally competitive exporters. The initiative focuses on unlocking the state’s untapped export potential in the chemical, cosmetics, dyes, essential oils, and allied sectors.

Strategic Alliance to Strengthen Export Competitiveness

By formalizing this partnership, CHEMEXCIL and UCCIL have created a structured framework that connects Odisha’s manufacturing capabilities with international market requirements. The MoU was signed by Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty on behalf of UCCIL and Shri Vishal Ganju on behalf of CHEMEXCIL. The collaboration aims to improve export readiness among regional manufacturers, enhance compliance with global trade standards, increase international market access

Promote sustainable industrial growth in Odisha

A key focus of the partnership is practical capacity building. CHEMEXCIL and UCCIL will organize a series of workshops, seminars, and training programs to equip businesses with the knowledge required for international trade. Participants will receive guidance on export documentation and procedures, global regulatory compliance, international quality standards, customs and trade requirements and export logistics and certification processes. This support is expected to be particularly valuable for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that produce high-quality products but lack specialized expertise in global trade regulations.

Improving Market Access for Odisha Businesses

In addition to training, the agreement will create new opportunities for direct engagement with international markets. The partnership will facilitate exposure visits, buyer-seller networking events, industry interaction platforms, export promotion activities and Special attention will be given to high-growth segments such as essential oils and fragrances manufacturing, where Odisha has significant expansion potential.

Leveraging FTAs and Export Incentives

Another important component of the collaboration is joint advocacy. CHEMEXCIL and UCCIL will help local businesses make better use of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), export incentive schemes, district export hubs initiatives and government export promotion programs. By simplifying access to these opportunities, the partnership aims to reduce barriers to international trade and encourage more companies to enter global markets.

Driving Sustainable Economic Growth in Odisha

Overall, the CHEMEXCIL-UCCIL alliance is expected to strengthen Odisha’s position as an emerging export hub for chemicals and allied products. As reported by tathya.in, through training, market access, and policy support, the initiative seeks to empower local manufacturers, expand exports, attract investment, and generate long-term economic growth across the state.

Shell Overseas Investment B.V. signed an agreement with Aditya Birla Renewables Limited to sell Solenergi Power Private Limited, including the Sprng Energy group of companies, for $1.8 billion. The transaction marks a significant step in Shell’s strategy to reshape its power business and strengthen its portfolio of high-performing energy assets.

Shell Refocuses Its Power Portfolio

According to Machteld de Haan, President, Downstream, Renewables and Energy Solutions at Shell, the divestment supports the company’s broader plan to optimize its power portfolio. “This agreement reflects Shell’s continued focus on adjusting the portfolio in our power business. We are high-grading our power portfolio and recycling capital in service of our asset-backed trading strategy outlined in Capital Markets Day 2025. This is another step in building a more focused, competitive and resilient business while improving returns year on year towards 2030.” By selling Sprng Energy, Shell intends to redeploy capital into strategic opportunities that align with its long-term energy trading and growth objectives.

Employee Continuity and Operational Stability

Importantly, employees of Sprng Energy will continue their employment under the new ownership structure. This transition will help maintain workforce continuity while supporting ongoing operational reliability across the company’s renewable energy assets.

Transaction Expected to Close by 2026

Shell and Aditya Birla Renewables expect to complete the transaction by the end of 2026. However, the deal remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. As per the press release, the acquisition will significantly strengthen Aditya Birla Renewables’ position in India’s growing renewable energy market. At the same time, Shell will continue to streamline its power business and focus on assets that support higher returns and greater resilience through 2030.

Kent signed Long-Term Agreements (LTAs) and Project Management Consultancy (PMC) agreements with Aramco, reinforcing its position in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreements place Kent on Aramco’s bid panels for future brownfield Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) and PMC projects, creating new opportunities for the company’s regional operations. By joining Aramco’s approved bid panels, Kent will be eligible to compete for upcoming brownfield EPC and PMC contracts across the Kingdom’s energy sector. The agreements represent a significant milestone in Kent’s long-term growth strategy in Saudi Arabia, where the company has maintained a strong operational presence for many years.

Industry Leaders Attend Signing Ceremony

Senior representatives from Aramco and industry leaders attended the signing ceremony, underscoring the strong working relationship between the two companies. The event also highlighted their shared commitment to delivering complex energy projects efficiently and safely.

Kent Highlights Team Contribution

Kent credited the successful award of the agreements to the efforts of teams across the organization. The company emphasized that the achievement reflects its continued focus on providing safe, reliable, and high-quality services to clients throughout the energy industry.

Executive Commentary

“The signing of these agreements represents an important step forward for Kent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reflects the strength of our delivery capability and long-standing presence in the region,” said Iain Eddie, Executive Vice President for EMEA and APAC at Kent. Eddie added, “As the Kingdom continues to invest in the future of its energy sector, we remain committed to supporting our clients with safe, high-quality, and performance-driven solutions that create lasting value.”

Saudi Arabia Remains a Key Market

Saudi Arabia continues to be one of Kent’s most important markets. Over the years, the company has supported Aramco across a broad range of engineering, project management, and energy-sector services. As per the press release, with the Kingdom accelerating investment in energy infrastructure and brownfield developments, Kent expects the new EPC and PMC agreements to strengthen its role in future projects and support continued regional growth.

Covestro and BYD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advanced material solutions. The collaboration will support BYD’s expanding businesses in new energy vehicles, power batteries, energy storage systems, public transportation, and next-generation technologies. The agreement marks a major shift in the relationship between the two companies. Instead of operating solely through a traditional supplier-customer model, Covestro and BYD will now collaborate across the entire value chain to accelerate innovation in mobility, energy, and intelligent systems.

Partnership Expands Beyond Material Supply

Through the partnership, Covestro aims to strengthen its “Sustainable Future” strategy by developing circular material solutions and driving growth in high-performance industries where advanced materials increasingly create competitive advantage. Lily Wang, President of Engineering Plastics at Covestro, emphasized that material science and collaboration are essential for industry transformation. She noted that BYD’s rapidly growing portfolio presents some of the most demanding material challenges in the market, making Covestro’s expertise especially valuable.

BYD’s Head of Materials stated that Covestro has already proven itself as a trusted innovation partner. The new agreement, according to BYD, will elevate the relationship and support the company’s global ambitions in future mobility and advanced technologies. Both companies will pursue joint innovation programs, technology co-development initiatives, and strategic investment opportunities.

Supporting Next-Generation Technologies

For future technology platforms, Covestro will provide high-performance polymer solutions capable of meeting extreme operating demands. The materials combine lightweight construction, high durability, structural strength, thermal management and electrical management capabilities. Consequently, they can support increasingly complex intelligent and connected systems.

Driving Circular and Low-Carbon Solutions

In addition to product development, both companies have committed to advancing low-carbon and circular material solutions. A key element of this effort is Covestro’s CQ (Circular Intelligence) portfolio. These materials contain at least 25% alternative raw materials, helping reduce the environmental footprint of next-generation mobility, energy, and intelligent technologies. As per the press release, by integrating circular materials into future products, Covestro and BYD aim to contribute to a more sustainable industrial ecosystem while supporting the global transition toward cleaner transportation and energy systems.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is preparing to begin exploration activities in the Sohagpur East coal bed methane (CBM) block in Madhya Pradesh as part of its strategy to expand domestic natural gas production. The company plans to initiate a test-phase investment before scaling up commercial operations. Coal bed methane (CBM) is natural gas trapped within coal seams. Producers extract the gas by drilling wells into the coal formations, after which it can be used for compressed natural gas (CNG), industrial fuel, power generation and other domestic applications.

RIL’s Sohagpur CBM Portfolio

Reliance Industries holds approximately 1,000 square kilometres of CBM acreage in Sohagpur, divided into two separate concessions Sohagpur West and Sohagpur East. RIL has historically concentrated development efforts on the Sohagpur West block, which industry officials consider the more productive of the two concessions. Now that the western asset is largely developed and delivering stable gas output, the company is turning its attention to the eastern block to unlock additional reserves and strengthen its upstream gas portfolio.

Initial Investment of ₹300–400 Crore

Reliance plans to begin with a test-phase investment estimated at ₹300–400 crore. The objective is to establish a proof of concept for commercial production before committing larger capital for full-scale development. The phased approach will allow the company to evaluate reservoir performance, production economics and infrastructure requirements before expanding operations.

Potential Impact on Domestic Gas Supply

If the Sohagpur East development proves successful, it could help increase Reliance Industries’ domestic natural gas production, strengthen India’s CBM output, support industrial and transportation fuel demand, reduce dependence on imported LNG and enhance energy security. By initiating exploration in the Sohagpur East CBM block, Reliance Industries is taking the next step in expanding its coal bed methane operations in Madhya Pradesh. As reported by cpstesters.com, the planned ₹300–400 crore pilot investment signals a cautious but strategic move to develop a second major CBM asset that could contribute meaningfully to the company’s future gas production growth.

Daiki Axis announced plans to establish its third manufacturing facility in India at Tumakuru. The investment forms part of the company’s strategy to tap into India’s growing demand for sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. The facility will involve an investment of approximately ₹200 crore and will be operated by the company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Daiki Axis India. The facility will manufacture and assemble sewage treatment systems based on Japan’s proprietary Johkasou technology, a decentralised wastewater treatment solution designed for domestic sewage treatment.

Johkasou Technology to Support Water Reuse

The Johkasou system treats sewage at the point of generation, thereby reducing dependence on extensive sewer networks. In addition, the technology enables efficient water recycling and reuse, making it particularly suitable for urban and semi-urban areas where centralized infrastructure is limited. According to K C Pandey, India generates more than 72 billion litres of sewage every day, while treatment capacity remains inadequate in many regions. “A significant volume of untreated sewage continues to be discharged into rivers and other water bodies because wastewater treatment infrastructure is insufficient in several parts of the country,” Pandey added.

Strengthening Local Manufacturing

The Tumakuru facility will help Daiki Axis expand its local manufacturing capabilities, reduce dependence on imported components, improve supply chain efficiency and enable faster deployment of sewage treatment systems across India. The company expects the new plant to support increasing demand from municipalities, residential developments, industrial parks, and commercial projects.

Existing Operations in India

Daiki Axis currently operates manufacturing facilities in Vadodara and Palwal. The Karnataka expansion will strengthen the company’s nationwide manufacturing and distribution network. With a planned ₹200 crore investment, the Tumakuru plant represents a significant step in Daiki Axis’ India expansion strategy. As reported by projectstoday.ai, the facility is expected to enhance local manufacturing, accelerate deployment of decentralised wastewater treatment systems, and support India’s broader transition toward sustainable water management and circular water-use practices.

India’s natural gas demand is expected to decline by around 8% year-on-year in 2026, according to the latest Q3 2026 gas market report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency identified the fertilizer sector as the most affected segment, while disruptions in West Asia and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz significantly altered India’s LNG supply dynamics.

West Asia Conflict Reshapes LNG Supply

The conflict in West Asia and the disruption of shipments through the Strait of Hormuz nearly choked off about half of India’s LNG imports from the region. As a result, India, the world’s fourth-largest LNG importer, faced higher import costs and changing supply patterns. However, despite weaker consumption, India continued importing LNG because domestic natural gas production remained insufficient to meet demand.

Demand Weakens Across Key Sectors

Between January and April 2026, India’s natural gas demand declined 4% year-on-year, reflecting strong price sensitivity among major consuming industries. The fertilizer industry recorded the steepest decline even though it was classified as a critical sector under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order 2026, introduced by the government in March 2026 to safeguard agricultural productivity and food security.

Petrochemical Production Contracts Sharply

Petrochemical output fell 21% year-on-year, making it one of the hardest-hit industrial segments. Higher LNG prices reduced operating rates in gas-intensive industries and encouraged fuel switching in some applications. In contrast, demand from city gas distribution networks, including CNG for transportation and PNG for households and small businesses, continued to grow.

Domestic Gas Production Continues to Decline

The IEA highlighted that India’s domestic natural gas production has been falling steadily, recording 22 consecutive months of year-on-year contraction since July 2024. In 2026, domestic output declined 4% year-on-year, increasing the country’s dependence on imported LNG. Despite supply disruptions from West Asia, India imported approximately 11 billion cubic metres (bcm) of LNG during the period, representing a 1% increase year-on-year.

Long-Term Outlook Remains Positive

The IEA had projected in February 2026 that India’s natural gas consumption could reach 103 bcm annually by 2030, implying an average annual growth rate of nearly 7% between 2023 and 2030. The current decline therefore appears to reflect short-term price pressures and supply disruptions rather than a fundamental reversal in India’s long-term gas demand outlook.

Asia-Wide Demand Also Expected to Ease

The IEA expects Asia’s natural gas demand to decline by 0.5% in 2026 as elevated LNG prices encourage gas-to-coal switching in power generation and lower utilization rates across energy-intensive industries. While India’s natural gas demand is likely to contract in 2026, the country’s continued reliance on LNG imports highlights the importance of strengthening domestic production, diversifying supply sources, and expanding energy infrastructure. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the fertilizer and petrochemical sectors will remain particularly sensitive to LNG price movements, whereas city gas distribution demand is expected to continue growing alongside urbanization and transportation needs.

Atomgrid, a specialty chemicals R&D startup focused on custom manufacturing and sourcing of specialty agrochemicals, plans to launch its first farmer-focused brand in India within the next 3–4 months. The company aims to build an Indian agrochemical brand that can reach farmers not only in India but also in global markets. According to Co-founder Siddharth Gupta, Atomgrid will introduce its end-customer brand in India as part of its expansion into the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment. “There are limited brands from India that directly reach farmers globally. That is the opportunity we are pursuing,” informed Gupta.

Manufacturing Footprint and Export Markets

Atomgrid has manufacturing units in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Approximately 50% of its revenue comes from exports to Vietnam, Latin America and Africa. The startup plans to enter the US market within the next 2–3 years. Initially, however, it will focus on expanding its presence in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia before targeting the US and Europe.

Focus on Pesticides and Biologicals

At present, Atomgrid is actively developing pesticide products, while biological solutions are in the pipeline. The company collaborates with 10–15 manufacturers for active ingredients. This network allows Atomgrid to scale production while maintaining flexibility across different product categories. Although B2B operations currently account for the majority of revenue, Atomgrid is building a long-term strategy around globally recognized farmer-facing brands. “We are building a company whose brands will go directly to farmers globally,” said Gupta. To support this strategy, the company is registering its products in international markets and exporting them through partnerships with Indian manufacturing units.

Benefiting from the China+1 Opportunity

Atomgrid positions itself as a beneficiary of the China+1 manufacturing shift, as global agrochemical buyers increasingly seek alternatives to Chinese suppliers. Many of the company’s customers, particularly in developed markets, are diversifying their supply chains and looking for reliable Indian sourcing partners. To strengthen supply security, Atomgrid plans to invest in joint ventures with manufacturing partners and expand its production ecosystem.

R&D Expansion and Growth Plans

The company expects to achieve 3x growth during the current fiscal year by entering additional geographies and expanding its product portfolio. With the establishment of a dedicated R&D centre, Atomgrid aims to double the number of products it manufactures. Its current portfolio includes
40–50 agrochemical products, covering: Herbicides, Fungicides and Pesticides.

Strategic Outlook

By combining R&D capabilities, Indian manufacturing partnerships, global product registrations, and a farmer-focused brand strategy, Atomgrid is positioning itself as an emerging player in the international agrochemical market. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the company’s expansion into B2C branding, along with its focus on export markets and the China+1 opportunity, could significantly strengthen its presence in the global agricultural chemicals industry.

Exide Industries is accelerating its push into India’s rapidly expanding lithium-ion battery market by planning an investment of approximately ₹1,400 crore in FY27 for its cell manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The move comes as electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to gain momentum across the country. Managing Director and CEO Avik Roy informed that Exide has already dispatched sample lithium-ion cells to customers during the first quarter of FY27. This development marks an important step toward commercial production.

Phase-One Capacity: 6 GWh

Exide is currently establishing a 6 GWh lithium-ion cell manufacturing capacity in the first phase of the project. “I don’t foresee demand as a challenge for us. Our focus will be on ramping up capacity at our plant,” said Roy. Following the completion of phase one, Exide plans to add an additional sixGWh capacity in the second phase. According to the company, India’s EV lithium-ion battery market is currently estimated at around 20 GWh, with a substantial share of demand still being met through imports.

Import Duty Relief to Support Domestic Manufacturing

Roy welcomed the Government of India’s decision to eliminate import duty on machinery used for battery cell manufacturing. He emphasized that India will need multiple domestic manufacturers to meet future battery demand and build a strong local supply chain. “India’s automotive market is too large for a single manufacturer. Even our 6 GWh capacity cannot cater to the entire industry. We need several domestic players to build a robust battery ecosystem,” believes Roy.

Lithium-Ion Business Seen as Strategic Transformation

Exide views its lithium-ion venture as a strategic transformation initiative that will position the company for long-term growth in next-generation energy storage technologies. At the same time, the company continues to strengthen its leadership in the conventional lead-acid battery business. Exide aims to increase revenue from its core lead-acid battery operations to more than ₹20,000 crore within the next two to three years, compared with ₹17,200 crore in FY26. The company expects continued demand from automotive, industrial, and infrastructure segments to support this growth.

Strategic Outlook

As reported by telegraphindia.com, with a planned ₹1,400 crore FY27 investment, expanding manufacturing capacity, and the launch of domestically produced lithium-ion cells, Exide Industries is positioning itself as a major player in India’s evolving EV battery manufacturing ecosystem. The company’s dual focus on lithium-ion technology and lead-acid batteries is expected to provide both growth opportunities and business stability in the years ahead.