Government aims to achieve its 5% biodiesel blending goal by 2030

21 Aug 2023 CW Team

Officials have revealed that the government's strategy to achieve a 5 per cent biodiesel blend in diesel sales by 2030 hinges on the utilisation of ethanol. Biodiesel, a biodegradable fuel commonly employed in Europe, originates from sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled restaurant grease.

However, the widespread implementation of biodiesel across the nation has encountered numerous obstacles, primarily due to the limited accessibility of biodiesel feedstock. Despite efforts to enhance the existing national biodiesel policy with additional incentives, viable solutions remained elusive, according to statements provided to Business Standard by officials.

Consequently, the directive was issued to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to concentrate their research on effectively integrating ethanol into diesel on a commercial scale. The government's ethanol blending initiative has achieved considerable success within the realm of petrol, with E20 petrol (a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and petrol) being retailed at over 1,900 fuel stations throughout the country.

A representative from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas commented that exploring the feasibility of ethanol-infused diesel as a cleaner fuel option is a logical step forward. The progress in this domain is being closely monitored.

In addition, both BPCL and HPCL are actively engaged in endeavours to operate vehicles using diesel infused with ethanol, the representative added.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..