India’s Expanding Refining Capacity
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Energy Technology Meet in Hyderabad, Shri Puri said India’s refining capacity, currently at 258 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), is expected to reach 310 MMTPA by 2030 and further scale to 450 MMTPA in the long term. This expansion positions India among the world’s top three refining hubs at a time when nearly 20% of global refineries face closure by 2035.
India is already the fourth-largest refining nation and one of the top seven exporters of petroleum products, exporting to over 50 countries worth USD 45 billion in FY 2024–25. The refining sector contributes nearly one-fifth of the nation’s revenue, supported by both public and private enterprises.
Biofuels and Ethanol Blending Success
The Minister highlighted India’s remarkable progress in biofuel adoption. From a modest 5% ethanol blending target in 2006, the country achieved 10% blending five months ahead of schedule in 2022. Building on this momentum, the Government advanced its 20% blending target to 2025–26, reflecting India’s ability to set and meet ambitious clean energy goals.
Puri stated that well-structured policies and steady support systems have driven this achievement, strengthening India’s leadership in sustainable fuel innovation.
Integrating Petrochemicals and Refining
India’s petrochemical utilization, currently one-third of the global average, offers enormous potential. Shri Puri said that new refinery projects are being developed as integrated petrochemical complexes to enhance value addition, efficiency, and export competitiveness. The petrochemical intensity index has risen from 7.7% to 13%, signaling a steady upward trajectory.
Green Energy and Hydrogen Transition
The Minister underlined India’s rapid progress in green hydrogen, where recent tenders have reduced prices from USD 5.5/kg to USD 4/kg. Green hydrogen, natural gas, and biofuels are expected to be the cornerstones of India’s clean energy transition. He emphasized that India’s energy mix will balance traditional fuels with renewables, with natural gas’s share rising from 6% to 15% in coming years.
Puri also cited initiatives like the Global Biofuels Alliance, expected to drive global adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other renewable alternatives.
Innovation, Indigenization, and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Shri Puri reaffirmed that nearly 80% import substitution has been achieved in India’s energy value chain. However, he stressed the importance of efficiency over total self-containment. The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes and the National Centre for Catalyst Research are expected to boost domestic manufacturing and research in advanced energy technologies.
Energy for a $10 Trillion Economy
Recalling India’s energy legacy from the Digboi refinery of 1901 to present-day mega facilities, Shri Puri said post-2014 reforms have unlocked a new wave of growth. Projects like the Barmer and Andhra refineries exemplify India’s forward momentum, complemented by biogas plants and renewable energy ecosystems.
Concluding his address, the Minister projected that by 2035, India could become the world’s second-largest refining power. “India’s youthful demography, rising energy demand, and proactive policy environment will ensure that we not only participate in but actively shape the global energy future,” he said.
