India’s oil refining sector is poised for significant growth, with total refining capacity expected to rise from 258.1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 309.5 MMTPA by 2030, according to the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Suresh Gopi. The Petrochemical Intensity Index (PII) of public sector refineries is also projected to increase from 4.1 to approximately 9.3 upon completion of ongoing and planned projects.
The government has rolled out several initiatives to promote cleaner fuels, including biofuels, green hydrogen, and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), a target of 20% ethanol blending is being pursued, along with measures to expand feedstock availability. The Pradhan Mantri Jaiv Indhan-Vatavaran Anukool Fasal Awashesh Nivaran (PM JI-VAN) Yojana provides financial support for advanced biofuel projects, including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
For Compressed Biogas (CBG), the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme has been launched, complemented by the Biomass Aggregation Machinery (BAM) and Direct Pipeline Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives to enhance biomass aggregation and connect CBG plants to pipeline networks.
The government also aims to produce 5 MMTPA of green hydrogen by 2030 under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM). Simultaneously, efforts are underway to expand LNG availability, including the establishment of LNG terminals and stations across the country.
Ceaner fuels have the potential to reduce emissions in key sectors such as transport, cement, and iron and steel, supporting India’s transition to a low-carbon economy and helping meet both national and international climate goals.
Suresh Gopi provided this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha today.
