BPCL plans new refinery; India seeks oil deals with Russia

12 Jun 2024 CW Team

State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) plans to construct a new oil refinery to address the increasing demand for fuels like petrol and diesel, as announced by Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, marking his second tenure in the ministry. Outlining his priorities for the third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, Puri emphasised the importance of discovering and producing more oil and gas to reduce India's dependence on imports. He also highlighted green hydrogen, natural gas, refining, and petrochemicals as key focus areas.

The government has recently ensured the "availability, affordability, and sustainability" of energy for citizens, Puri noted, adding that they have performed well in this regard. He stated that this approach would continue in Modi 3.0.

Detailing his priorities, Puri mentioned that attracting investors to oil and gas exploration and production in ongoing bid rounds and unique tenders, such as the one by ONGC seeking a foreign partner to boost output at Mumbai High, one of India's old fields, would be high on the agenda.

He also stressed the continued push towards the production and increased usage of green hydrogen, a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels, and encouraged the use of biofuels.

Regarding securing crude oil supplies, which are refined into fuels like petrol and diesel, Puri said India has diversified its sources, including from Russia. He pointed out that India has become the largest buyer of Russian sea-borne oil, taking advantage of discounted barrels after some Western nations stopped purchases following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Puri expressed confidence in the long-standing partnership with the Russian Federation and in the potential for both private and public sector players in India to sign long-term deals with countries offering beneficial terms.

Real Estate

08 May 2026

Integrated Waterproofing Strategies

Waterproofing buildings used to be an annual pre-monsoon affair but the evolution of real-estate development has changed that approach. In new developments, developers are weaving waterproofing solutions into both the design and construction phases, an approach that Nikhil Madan, Managing Director, Mahima Group, says, “is all about ensuring lasting durability [of the building] and keeping lifecycle risks including water seepage and extensive maintenance to a minimum.”Watertight by designAluminium formwork systems aren’t commonly thought of as a waterproofing tool but at the Mahima Group,..

GROHE Showcases Water-Led Design At Milan

GROHE unveiled its GROHE SPA Aqua Sanctuary at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into an immersive showcase of water, design and wellbeing. Built on the philosophy of ‘Wellbeing Through Water’, the installation reimagined bathrooms as holistic spaces for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care.The Aqua Sanctuary was presented through three interconnected sanctums. The first showcased the 3D-printed GROHE SPA AquaTree shower and faucet, highlighting bespoke innovation and biophilic design. The second featured the Atrio Private Collection and GROHE SPA x Buster..

Rahee Group Expands Rail Manufacturing Capacity

Rahee Group has outlined a multi-year investment roadmap to expand its operational footprint and strengthen manufacturing capabilities for India’s growing railway and urban transit sector. The Group is expanding in Odisha with a new Track Component Casting Unit, for which the groundbreaking ceremony was held on 8 April 2026 in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.The Group’s flagship EPC arm, Rahee Infratech Ltd, continues to focus on complex rail infrastructure projects, including track systems, bridges, viaducts and ballastless infrastructure. Its wholly owned subsidi..