India explores Brazil's ethanol tech to reduce oil imports

16 Oct 2023 CW Team

India expressed its intention to decrease its reliance on crude oil imports by adopting advanced technologies similar to those employed by Brazil for ethanol mixing. The two nations mutually agreed to increase their trade volume, setting a target of $ 50 billion by 2030, a significant jump from the current $ 15.2 billion. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal, during the trade data release on October 13, emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of ethanol and bio-fuel blending. He stated, ?Ethanol and bio-fuel blending is an important area of cooperation where we feel Brazil and India can learn from each other. In fact, Brazil has very advanced technologies available on ethanol mixing with petrol and diesel, which will help us reduce our dependence on crude, petroleum imports.? India has been intensifying its efforts to achieve a 20 percent ethanol blending ratio with petrol by 2025, aiming to decrease its reliance on crude oil imports. As of June 2022, the average blending rate stood at 10 percent ethanol in petrol. Given that Brazil, a leading producer of sugarcane and ethanol, has been at the forefront of integrating biofuels into its fuel economy, India seeks to emulate Brazil's success. India hopes to benefit by adopting the techniques used by the Latin American nation for ethanol blending. According to data from the Department of Commerce, India's overall crude oil imports surged to $ 162.2 billion in FY23, compared to $ 107.5 billion the previous year.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..