Recent fuel, transport and policy updates, in a clear and scan-friendly format.
UBS has increased price targets for BPCL, HPCL, and IOC, forecasting a 16-18% upside. The firm upgraded IOC and HPCL to 'buy' while keeping BPCL at 'buy.' UBS anticipates crude price moderation, boosting integrated margins for Indian state-owned oil marketing companies without any retail fuel price cuts if crude stays above $80 per barrel.
India's refining capacity is set to grow by about 20% to 309.5 million metric tons by 2028 to address increasing fuel demand, said the junior petroleum minister. The existing capacity is around 5.14 million bpd. Strategic petroleum reserves would cover 9.5 days of crude oil needs, and new storage facilities have been approved in Odisha and Karnataka.
The government stated that ethanol blending with diesel is experimental and there are no plans to mandate it due to issues like deposit formation in fuel tanks. Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the need for further testing and safety considerations. Ethanol blending with petrol, however, has reached 15%, targeting 20%.
Airport charges have also started to climb upwards, and the airline is monitoring it as well as having discussions with airport partners. Further, maintenance works are going through a bit of an inflationary cycle, he said during an analyst's call.
The government is developing a long-term energy transition strategy to maintain growth, collaborating with the Asian Development Bank and NITI Aayog. Ajay Seth highlighted the need for a unique strategy for India's lower per capita income compared to advanced economies. Infrastructure funding and carbon pricing affordability are also being examined.
MRPL plans to sell 240,000 metric tons of jet fuel in term supplies from September to February. Interested buyers must submit proposals by July 31 to offload cargo between the 1st-28th of each month. This exploratory move, not an official sale tender, offers limited buyer obligations. MRPL has not offered term cargoes in the past two years.
The Power Ministry has announced a plan requiring a Rs 6.67 lakh crore investment to reach the estimated electricity demand by 2031-32. The Central Electricity Authority determined that the country needs a coal & lignite installed capacity of 283 GW. The country currently produces 217.5 GW. The Government of India aims to add at least 80 GW of coal-based capacity by 2031-32, alongside a push for non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation to reach a target of 50 per cent by 2030. Currently the figure stands at 45.5 per cent.
Asked about India's response on temple vandalization in Edmonton, Jaiswal stated, "We have strongly taken up the matter with Canadian authorities, both here in Delhi and in Ottawa. We condemn the vandalization. We expect the local authorities to take swift and strong action against those responsible."
The two record-breaking highs in global surface air temperatures in a single week underscored the continuous increase brought on by climate change. Both natural and human factors are contributing to the warming trend, which is causing extreme heatwaves and the health hazards they bring.
Bharti Airtel’s Africa business reported a $31 million net profit in the first fiscal quarter, reversing a $151 million net loss year-on-year, aided by reduced net finance costs and mobile money growth.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman cancelled a Rs 30,000 crore equity infusion for Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum due to record FY24 profits. Interim support was Rs 15,000 crore. Prices remained low April-September 2022, with provided LPG subsidies and resisted daily revisions. ONGC, GAIL aim for net-zero emissions. FY23 losses were driven by the oil crisis.
U.S. crude inventories fell for four weeks ending July 19, pushing Brent to $81.47 and WTI to $77.38. API confirmed declines; official data pending. Prices previously hit a six-week low due to Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. Economic concerns in China also persist, marking the first four-week crude decrease since September 2023.
TCS partnered with Rolls-Royce to research hydrogen fuel systems for sustainable aviation, focusing on fuel combustion, delivery, and integration challenges. This is to address the aviation industry's goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The collaboration leverages TCS's engineering expertise to support Rolls-Royce in achieving its technology ambitions for a greener future,. The partnership builds on their longstanding relationship and shared commitment to driving sustainable transformation across industries.
A total of 300 passengers have been placed on the no-fly list in the last five years, including 51 people this year till July 1, according to data provided by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol to the Rajya Sabha. In 2023, as many as 110 passengers were placed on the no-fly list while the count stood at 63 and 66 in 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Bharat Petroleum Corp, India's third-largest refiner, anticipates Middle Eastern crude producers to reduce official selling prices due to declining fuel margins. Global refiners face lower profitability with decreased fuel cracks. BPCL's net profit for the quarter ending June 30 dropped 71% year-on-year. The company processes 700,000 barrels per day and sells 52.5 million metric tons of refined fuel annually.
Climate change, fueled by fossil fuel consumption, results in extreme weather, property damage, inequality, and migration, costing billions worldwide. Renewable energies like solar, wind, and green hydrogen offer solutions. Effective policy changes and immediate actions are required to combat these issues, despite the implementation challenges and necessary humanitarian responses.
