Alongside this nearly 20 per cent increase, the petrochemical intensity index (PII) of public sector refineries is expected to more than double—from 4.1 to about 9.3—once ongoing and planned projects are completed.
India’s refining sector is set for a major expansion, with total capacity projected to rise to 309.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) by 2030, up from the current 258.1 MMTPA. The figures were shared by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Alongside this nearly 20 per cent increase, the petrochemical intensity index (PII) of public sector refineries is expected to more than double—from 4.1 to about 9.3—once ongoing and planned projects are completed. This reflects the government’s push to integrate petrochemical production more deeply into refining operations, enhancing value addition and industrial competitiveness.
The government is simultaneously advancing its clean energy agenda. Under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP), India is targeting 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol by broadening the scope of feedstock to ensure greater availability. To support advanced biofuels, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the PM JI‑VAN Yojana has been launched to provide financial assistance for new projects.
For the promotion of compressed biogas (CBG), the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme is being implemented alongside initiatives such as biomass aggregation machinery and direct pipeline infrastructure. These measures are designed to strengthen biomass supply chains and connect CBG plants to the existing pipeline network, ensuring scalability and integration with national energy infrastructure.
The government has also launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), which aims to produce 5 MMTPA of green hydrogen by 2030. In parallel, steps are being taken to augment the availability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) across sectors, including the establishment of terminals and stations to expand infrastructure and support industrial and transport demand.
Minister Suresh Gopi emphasised that cleaner fuels such as biofuels, green hydrogen, and LNG can play a transformative role in reducing emissions across transport and hard‑to‑abate sectors like cement, iron, and steel. Their adoption will lower overall emission intensity and support India’s transition to a low‑carbon economy, aligning with national climate goals and international commitments.