The Economic Times (India)
๋ณด์ ์ฑํฅ
๊ฒฝ์
๐ฎ๐ณ ์ธ๋ ยท "FUELS" ยท ์ด 18๊ฑด
ํํฐ ๋ณด๊ธฐํ์ฌ ์ง์
48.1
0 = ๋ถ์ ์ฐ์ธ
50 = ์ค๋ฆฝ
100 = ๊ธ์ ์ฐ์ธ
์ต๊ทผ 7์ผ ๊ธฐ์ค 5,739๊ฑด์ ๋ถ์ํ ๊ฒฐ๊ณผ, ๋ด์ค ์ฌ๋ฆฌ์ง์๋ 48.1(๊ท ํ)์ ๋๋ค. ๊ธ์ 554๊ฑด(9.7%)ยท์ค๋ฆฝ 3,869๊ฑด(67.4%)ยท๋ถ์ 1,316๊ฑด(22.9%)์ด๋ฉฐ, ์ค๋ฆฝ ๋น์ค์ด ๋๋ ทํ๊ฒ ๋์ต๋๋ค. ์ฑํฅ ์ง์๋ ์ข ํฉ 13.5(์ค๋ ๊ท ํ)์ ๋๋ค.
Over the past decade, GoI has expanded investments in solar power, wind energy, transmission infrastructure and pumped hydro storage. Electric mobility initiatives and domestic battery manufacturing programmes are also being promoted as part of a broader strategy to reduce oil dependence.Recent geopolitical developments in the Gulf, which largely supply India's crude and LPG needs, have brought renewed focus to nuclear energy as a stable domestic source for baseload electricity. A milestone in India's nuclear programme was achieved in April, when a prototype fast-breeder reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu attained first criticality. Developed indigenously by Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), the 500 MWe reactor marks India's formal entry into the second stage of its 3-stage nuclear programme envisioned by Homi Bhabha.Also a welcome development is the latest news of GoI reportedly considering measures that include assured power purchase agreements (PPAs), to attract private sector investments in the nuclear energy sector. It is also reportedly preparing to notify rules under SHANTI (Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India) Act 2025.India's nuclear strategy has been designed around the country's resource profile. While it has limited uranium reserves, it possesses some of the world's largest thorium deposits. The 3-stage programme was conceived to enable large-scale utilisation of thorium for power generation.Thorium is not a fertile or fissile material, and has to be converted to fissile Uranium-233 in a FBR. The third stage aims to use U-233-based reactors for sustained energy generation. PFBR is important for the eventual thorium utilisation. India's thorium reserves, largely located in coastal monazite sands in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, are seen as a potential long-term strategic energy resource.Another significant development came with the passage of the aforementioned SHANTI Act last December. It modernises India's nuclear legal and regulatory framework, and allows limited private sector participation in nuclear projects.Traditionally, India's nuclear sector has been dominated by state-controlled entities. The Act is intended to streamline approvals, encourage investment, and support domestic manufacturing and technological partnerships. Reforms reflect recognition that achieving large-scale nuclear expansion will require both public and private participation.Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (Barc) is developing several advanced reactor designs, including 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), 55 MWe SMR-55, and a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) intended for hydrogen production. SMRs are expected to be modular, with modules produced under controlled conditions in a factory and assembled at the site in a short time. They are also expected to be safer, making them acceptable to the public.GoI has indicated that at least 5 indigenously designed SMRs will become operational by 2033. India has set a long-term target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. At present, the country's installed nuclear capacity stands at about 8.7 GW, contributing around 3% of total electricity generation. Coal continues to account for nearly 70% of electricity production. Achieving the 100 GW target would require substantial expansion in infra, manufacturing, financing and human resources.The Strait of Hormuz disruption has reinforced the importance of diversifying India's energy mix and reducing exposure to external supply shocks. The current policy direction reflects a combination of RE expansion, electrification, domestic manufacturing and renewed emphasis on nuclear power.The broad objective of improving energy security through a diversified and domestically supported energy system must remain a central policy priority. RE, along with energy storage required to balance it, remains the major first step. Electricity can substitute fossil fuels in many sectors. Coal can be replaced by nuclear as a baseload supplier.Nuclear projects involve high upfront capital costs and long construction timelines. Land acquisition and public acceptance remain sensitive issues. Waste management, safety regulation and development of skilled technical manpower will require sustained institutional support.Thorium-based technologies, although strategically important for India, have not yet been deployed commercially at scale in the world. Policymakers will need to balance investments across nuclear, solar, wind, storage and grid modernisation to ensure affordability and energy security.SHANTI Act, PFBR, investment in SMRs and increased private participation suggest that nuclear energy may play a larger role in India's long-term energy strategy than anticipated. We need an integrated policy framework to achieve energy aatmanirbharta.Saini is senior research analyst, and Parikh is chairman, Integrated Research and Action for Development (IRADe), New Delhi
The delegation from the union environment ministry which will represent India are attending the sessions virtually, according to those aware of the matter
Soaring jet fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East are likely to push more airlines into bankruptcy and spur more sector consolidation this year and next, the head of the global airline body said on Saturday. Global airlines are grappling with higher fuel costs driven by the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, which has choked jet fuel supplies and disrupted key air corridors, forcing costly detours.Also read: Airbus delays XLR deliveries to IndiGo as war hits suppliers Budget carriers have been among โthe hardest hit, โ lacking higher margin โ revenue streams such as premium cabins, high-paying travelers and credit card loyalty programs. The strain is already showing: U.S. budget airline Spirit Airlines collapsed last month, and it will not be the last, said Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, the industry's main trade body. "Unfortunately I think there will be some carriers that will find this high fuel price very difficult to cope with," Walsh told Reuters at IATA's annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, adding he expects some airlines to go out of business and others to be acquired by larger carriers. Even so, the pressure does not spell the end of the low-cost airline model, which continues to thrive outside the United States, where the big three carriers, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American โ Airlines, are squeezing โout budget competitors, Walsh said. "I don't see that the low-cost model is broken, in fact, quite the opposite," he said, highlighting Ryanair's strong performance in Europe as an example. There is one blockbuster deal Walsh does not see happening: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's audacious โ proposal to buy arch rival American Airlines and create a U.S. aviation behemoth. The idea, which surfaced earlier this year, failed to get done despite Kirby raising it with President Donald Trump. "I don't think that's going to happen. I think the regulatory hurdles would be very significant. I don't know whether that was a genuine effort to pursue consolidation or Scott just trying to stir up some media," Walsh said. MIDDLE EAST AIRLINE WOES The Iran conflict has upended traffic flows through Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, creating acute challenges for Gulf carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. Walsh said he didn't think the conflict would do permanent damage to the Gulf as an aviation hub given its strategic geographic importance and the value of the popular Gulf carriers, which account for 14% of โglobal capacity. "That capacity cannot be replaced by airlines from other regions around the world," Walsh said. "Once things settle down, I would expect the Gulf carriers to regain their important position in the market." Adding to the strain is the slow pace of aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus, along with engine delays from โ GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of RTX, limiting airlines' ability to expand fleets and improve efficiency.Also read: Airline chiefs grapple with fuel shock, fare test at Rio summit Walsh said the industry is increasingly frustrated by the delays, particularly as engine makers post strong profits while airlines struggle. He estimates supply chain disruption cost airlines about $11 billion last year. "We're disappointed that they're not moving faster. We're disappointed that they're not sharing the pain that the airline industry is sharing," he said. Aircraft and engine makers have said that much of the delays are out of their control, stemming from post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and political trade disputes. As airlines come under financial strain and climate policies lose momentum in the U.S. under Donald Trump, industry leaders have grown more cautious about meeting a 2050 net zero emissions target. Walsh said IATA is not ready to abandon the goal. "I certainly believe it's more challenging to achieve net zero in 2050 because we've not made the progress that we had expected to see on the development of sustainable fuels," he said.
Bihar minister Deepak Prakash missing from NDA's MLC poll list, fuels speculation
A thermal image from Area 51 fuels speculation about the US Air Force's next-gen stealth fighter, the Boeing F-47. Globally, nations like China and European blocs are also racing ahead with their own advanced fighter programs. These cutting-edge aircraft will feature all-aspect stealth, AI integration, and manned-unmanned teaming, promising a new era of air dominance.
India is launching E85 petrol, an 85% ethanol blend, at discounted prices. This move aims to boost clean fuel adoption and cut reliance on imported fossil fuels. The government plans a phased rollout of E85 dispensing stations nationwide. Vehicle manufacturers are introducing E85 compatible models. This initiative is expected to benefit farmers and save foreign exchange.
Wall Street's nine-week winning streak ended with a thud on Friday, as red-hot technology stocks suffered their largest โdaily decline this year after a hot May jobs report fueled fears of a hawkish policy pivot from the U.S. Federal Reserve.Selling was concentrated among chip stocks and other technology favorites that have surged higher in recent weeks as the Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P 500 rose repeatedly to fresh highs.All three major U.S. stock indexes closed sharply lower, with โplunging chip stocks โ dragging the โ tech-laden Nasdaq down by its largest one-day percentage loss since last year.The S&P 500 ended its nine-week run of Friday-to-Friday gains, its longest weekly winning streak since one that ended in December โ2023."After the record run we've seen the last nine weeks in equities, specifically tech and semiconductors, the dam just broke today," said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist โat Carson Group in Omaha. "Obviously, the stronger-than-expected jobs report puts the Fed in a tough spot regarding any interest rate cut for the rest of the year. And the market is throwing a fit by hitting the big winners so far this year."Rising interest rates and the Iran war weighed on โsentiment heading into the weekend, but many investors said they expected tech stocks to continue rallying."The market โ reaction today โwas more driven by positioning rather than fundamentals," said Ohsung Kwon, chief equity strategist at Wells Fargo. "The semiconductor sector was โway overbought. That's why we're โseeing the selloff. I don't think it's the end of the semi bull market." The U.S. economy added 172,000 jobs โ in May, according to the Labor Department, more than double analyst expectations, while the unemployment rate โheld firm at 4.3%. The robust report was double-edged: it provided reassurance of U.S. economic health, but โall but killed any hopes of an interest rate cut from the Fed in the near future.Financial markets are pricing in a growing likelihood of a rate hike at the conclusion of the Fed's December meeting, according to CME's FedWatch tool.Fading hopes for a near-term resolution to the Middle East war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz are stirring fears that energy price pressures could morph into wider, systemic inflation. Iran reaffirmed its support for Hezbollah and demanded that Israel withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon, further complicating efforts to secure a near-term peace deal that would include the resumption of traffic through the โcrucial strait. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has negotiated three truces, and while fighting has been greatly reduced, the two sides continue to trade airstrikes.According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 199.64 points, or 2.63%, to end at 7,384.67 points, โwhile the Nasdaq Composite lost โ1,117.38 points, or 4.16%, to 25,713.58. The โ Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 684.53 points, or 1.33%, to 50,877.40.Nvidia, the largest company by market value, fell sharply, as did smaller rivals Intel, Micron, AMD and Broadcom. Lululemon Athletica slumped after the athletic apparel maker cut its annual profit forecast and projected second-quarter earnings well below Wall Street estimates. Cooper Companies rose โafter the contact lens maker beat estimates for second-quarter results.Cryptocurrency firms Coinbase and Strategy were pulled lower by bitcoin's sharp drop. S&P Global said it would not change the eligibility requirements for its major indices, which effectively rules out a swift entry for Elon Musk's SpaceX to the benchmark S&P 500 after it goes public in what would be the world's biggest initial public offering.S&P Dow Jones Indices will announce the results following its rebalancing after markets close. Chipmaker Marvell Technology, which boasts over $270 billion in valuation, is among the contenders to be added to the benchmark index.
Maruti Suzuki's MD highlights flex-fuel vehicles as key to India's goals of cutting oil imports and emissions. These vehicles run on petrol and ethanol blends, supporting farmers and the rural economy. A robust ecosystem, including fuel availability and wider model launches, is crucial for mass adoption, with government backing for biofuel transition and infrastructure expansion.
Amarinder Singh has increasingly voiced concerns functioning of Punjab BJP.
India is accelerating its ethanol drive, planning to establish 5,000 ethanol fuel stations by the end of 2027 to reduce fossil fuel imports. This initiative, alongside the launch of flex-fuel cars, aims to cut the country's $120 billion import bill and boost farmer income. Regulatory changes are also proposed to support higher ethanol blends and other alternative fuels.
Shares of Hero MotoCorp gained 3% to their dayโs high of Rs 4,980 on the BSE on Thursday after the company unveiled its first flex-fuel motorcycles, marking its entry into a segment aimed at supporting India's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions.The country's largest two-wheeler manufacturer launched flex-fuel versions of its flagship Splendor+ and HF Deluxe motorcycles, making them India's first flex-fuel motorcycles in the 100cc category. The motorcycles are compatible with ethanol-blended fuels ranging from E20 to E85 and are designed for everyday commuting without compromising on performance or affordability.Hero MotoCorp said the new range is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of daily transportation while aligning with India's goal of lowering economic carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.The motorcycles were unveiled in New Delhi ahead of World Environment Day in the presence of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and Hero MotoCorp Chief Executive Officer Harshavardhan Chitale.Speaking at the event, Gadkari said the introduction of flex-fuel motorcycles in the mass-market segment would support ethanol adoption, help reduce crude oil imports, strengthen farmers' incomes and contribute to the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.Puri said the launch represents another milestone in India's efforts to build a mobility ecosystem powered by cleaner and domestically produced fuels. He added that wider adoption of such vehicles could improve energy security, lower carbon emissions and reduce dependence on imported crude oil while strengthening the country's biofuels ecosystem.Chitale said the flex-fuel-ready Splendor+ and HF Deluxe were developed at the company's Centre for Innovation & Technology in Jaipur and reflect Hero MotoCorp's focus on future-ready and locally relevant technologies. He added that the motorcycles have minimal-to-no import content and reinforce India's manufacturing capabilities.Hero MotoCorp said the flex-fuel portfolio will be introduced in Delhi and select regions of Maharashtra in July 2026, followed by a nationwide rollout. The HF Deluxe Flex Fuel has been priced at Rs 72,792 (ex-showroom Delhi), while the Splendor+ Flex Fuel will be available at Rs 82,710 (ex-showroom Delhi).(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
A key factor behind the decline was planned maintenance at Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refining complex, India's largest refinery and a major exporter of refined fuels
Actor Mark Ruffalo, honored for environmental activism, shared a powerful message at Dickinson College: embracing the unknown fuels personal and artistic growth. He urged stepping outside comfort zones, facing fears like failure, and taking leaps of faith to foster resilience and achieve goals. Ruffalo's insights encourage bold action, emphasizing that growth stems from venturing into uncharted territory.
US-Iran talks face confusion despite Trump optimism, K Annamalai fuels new party buzz and race for Karnataka cabinet intensifies.
New Delhi: The price of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders has been increased from June 1, raising input costs for hotels, restaurants and other commercial establishments, while domestic cooking gas rates have been left unchanged, according to industry sources.In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has been raised by Rs 42 to Rs 3,113.50. In Kolkata, the increase is steeper at Rs 53.50, taking the retail price to Rs 3,255.50.The price revision comes amid heightened efforts by the government and oil marketing companies (OMCs) to strengthen fuel security and ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products across the country.Also read | Refiners adjust to new crude mix as Hormuz crisis tightens supplyIndustry sources said the price of 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders has also been increased by Rs 11. Following the revision, a 5-kg FTL cylinder will cost Rs 821.50 in Delhi. The revised rates came into effect on June 1.There has been no change in the price of domestic LPG cylinders, providing relief to household consumers at a time when global energy markets continue to remain volatile.The latest revision follows the government's assurance that adequate stocks of petroleum products are available and that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol or diesel in the country.Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government is working to bolster energy security through strategic reserves and enhanced inventory management.She said OMCs have been advised to maintain a minimum LPG reserve equivalent to 30 days of consumption and that efforts are underway to strengthen crude oil reserves as well.Also read | India cuts export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuelAccording to Sharma, all refineries are operating at optimum levels and domestic LPG production has reached record highs. She said inventories of key fuels remain comfortable and no instances of LPG distributors running dry have been reported.At the same time, authorities have observed unusual spikes in fuel sales in several regions. While part of the increase is attributed to seasonal agricultural demand, bulk purchases have also contributed to higher offtake.Government data showed overall fuel sales growth exceeding 30%, with 14 districts recording more than 100% growth in petrol sales. In contrast, six districts witnessed a decline of about 38% in sales by OMCs.To prevent diversion and hoarding, enforcement agencies have intensified inspections. Over the past four days, around 6,500 raids were conducted involving LPG distribution networks, resulting in multiple FIRs and arrests. Separate inspections at retail fuel outlets led to the seizure of significant quantities of petrol and diesel, along with legal action against violators.Sharma said domestic refineries are currently producing around 50-52 thousand metric tonnes of LPG per day against demand of about 72 thousand metric tonnes, with the balance being met through imports. She added that the backlog in LPG supplies has narrowed to around 4.5 days, indicating an improvement in distribution efficiency.The increase in commercial LPG prices is expected to have a bearing on operating costs for eateries, catering businesses and other commercial users, even as household consumers remain insulated from the latest revision.
The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to extend a ceasefire, allow shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lift a U.S. blockade and some sanctions on Iran, sources โtold Reuters, but the deal has not been finalised.An agreement would represent โa big step towards ending a war that has pushed the world towards an energy crisis, though the underlying dispute over Iran's nuclear programme โwould only be thrashed out in talks over subsequent weeks.Where Have The Discussions Got To?Following a ceasefire in early April, the two sides have remained at odds on issues including Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's war in Lebanon with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia, and Tehran's demands for the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets.After weeks of mainly indirect talks, four sources familiar with the matter said on Thursday that the U.S. and Iran had โagreed a memorandum of understanding โ that would โ halt the war and give negotiators 60 days to reach a final deal.Read More: Bigger proportion of non-Iran ships crossing Hormuz strait: DataHowever, both sides have said several times before that they believed an agreement was close but without ever concluding an agreement. The position of Israel, which launched the air war on โIran on February 28 alongside the United States, is central to any deal but its role in the agreement is unclear.U.S. President Donald Trump has not yet approved the deal, according to the sources. Vice โPresident JD Vance said on Thursday: "We're not there, but we're very close and we're going to keep working on it".Iran has not yet formally commented, but the semi-official Tasnim news agency cited a source close to the negotiating team as saying the text of the agreement had not yet been finalised or confirmed.Iranian sources have previously said a framework deal is only about ending the war โon all fronts, establishing a 30-day framework for international and Iranian movement through the Strait of Hormuz and possibly providing some โ financial relief.There would โthen be negotiations on the more difficult issues, such as the status of Iran's highly enriched uranium and details concerning the strait, and the sequencing of โthe many points in the โpreliminary deal such as sanctions relief and security.The last deal over the nuclear programme - struck in 2015 and torn up by Trump in 2018 - took โ years of negotiations between large teams of technical experts.What Are The Main Issues?Hormuz And Gulf BlockadeIran's closure of โthe Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for a fifth of global supplies of oil and liquefied natural gas, has pushed up oil โprices. Reopening the strait is the U.S. priority and Iran's main point of leverage, but it could take time.Many vessels are stuck in the Gulf and Iran says it has laid some sea mines that could be difficult to locate.The U.S. blockade on Iranian ports is hitting Iran's own exports and state revenue. Lifting this is one of Tehran's main goals. A sensitive issue could be how far U.S. forces withdraw.NuclearThe U.S. says it believes Iran wants to build a nuclear bomb. Iran has always denied this, saying its atomic programme is for peaceful purposes only. The focus is on its enrichment of uranium, which generates fuel for nuclear power but can also make material for a warhead.The nuclear question is extremely complicated. Iran might eventually agree to dilute part of its highly enriched uranium โin a friendly country into uranium enriched to 5% purity and then have it returned, Iranian sources said.Read more: US inflation hits three-year high in April as Iran war fuels energy price surgeBut many other issues would still need to be addressed: how long the nuclear program would be halted, whether nuclear sites would be dismantled, what happens to stockpiles of uranium enriched to 20% and 5%, the โfuture of Iran's advanced centrifuges โand research and development programs and the rules governing an โ inspections regime, among others.Ballistic MissilesA prominent U.S. demand before the war was that Iran limit the range of its ballistic missiles so that they could not reach Israel. Iran has always said its right to conventional weapons is non-negotiable and that it still has a large arsenal.Sanctions And Frozen AssetsIran's economy has been hurt by sanctions for years, contributing to the nationwide unrest in โJanuary. Tehran badly needs them to be lifted and tens of billions of dollars of Iranian oil revenues frozen in foreign banks to be released. It also wants reparations for war damage.The United States has resisted this, with Trump having lambasted former president Barack Obama for having returned some frozen assets to Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal. Some media have reported that the latest draft agreement would include an investment programme for Iran.LebanonIran has repeatedly said that Israel's war against its main ally Hezbollah in Lebanon must be included in any deal. Israel and Lebanon agreed a ceasefire last month but both Israel and Hezbollah accuse each other of repeated violations and Israel's military is ramping up its campaign in southern Lebanon. Israel would oppose any U.S.-Iran agreement that limits its ability to act in Lebanon.