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India's National Policy on Biofuels has accelerated its target for ethanol blending in petrol, moving the goal of 20% blending from 2030 to the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26, which runs from November 2025 to October 2026. As of October 2025, ethanol blending reached 19.97%, with over 77 crore litres stored. During ESY 2024-25, public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) received approximately 1,003 crore litres of ethanol, consuming 1,022 crore litres to achieve a 19.2% blending rate. The government has allocated 52 lakh tonnes of surplus rice and 40 lakh tonnes of sugar for ethanol production to meet the new target. Additionally, the price of ethanol from FCI rice has increased to ₹60.32 per litre for ESY 2025-26. OMCs have invited bids for 1,050 crore litres of ethanol, with a detailed supply schedule set for the coming months. 
Published: Dec 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn a bid to sustain high taxation on tobacco products, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced two significant bills in the Lok Sabha on December 1, 2025. The "Health Security se National Security Cess Bill, 2025" aims to impose a new cess on pan masala, while the "Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025" seeks to levy additional taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco items. Currently, these products are subject to a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 28% alongside a compensation cess, which is set to expire as the government nears the repayment of loans taken during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the cessation of the compensation cess, the new legislation will ensure that tobacco products continue to be taxed at the higher GST rate, maintaining the financial burden on consumers. The changes come as part of a broader rationalization of GST rates across various sectors.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inIn a recent price revision, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) in Delhi saw a significant increase of ₹5,133.75 per kilolitre, bringing the total to ₹99,676.77 per kl, marking the third consecutive monthly hike. This 5.4% rise follows earlier increases of 1% and 3.3% in November and October, respectively, and is expected to exert additional pressure on airlines, which allocate nearly 40% of their operating costs to fuel. Meanwhile, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder was reduced by ₹10 to ₹1,580.50 in Delhi, continuing a trend of price cuts that have collectively lowered costs by ₹223 since April. Domestic LPG prices remain stable at ₹853 for a 14.2-kg cylinder. Fuel prices vary across cities due to local taxes, while petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged after a reduction last year. The revisions are conducted monthly by major state-owned oil companies based on international benchmarks.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 1 pmeznews.inRain and thundershowers from the remnant deep depression of Cyclone Ditwah were concentrated around and north of Chennai on Monday morning. The cyclone weakened into a deep depression overnight, located approximately 50 km east-southeast of Chennai and moving slowly northwards along the coasts of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system is expected to weaken further into a depression during the day. Heavy rainfall is anticipated across north Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Telangana, with thunderstorms expected to affect various regions, including Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema, over the next few days. In light of the adverse weather conditions, the IMD has advised a total suspension of fishing operations along the affected coastal areas and cautioned fishermen against venturing into the sea until Tuesday.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inThe Indian manufacturing sector experienced a notable slowdown in November, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) falling to 56.6 from 59.2 in October, marking the weakest growth since February. Despite remaining above the neutral threshold of 50.0, the decline reflects a broader moderation across key indicators, including new orders, output, purchasing activity, and employment. New export orders rose at their slowest pace in over a year, indicating softening external demand, while overall sentiment towards future output dropped to its lowest level since mid-2022. Although employment continued to expand, it did so at the softest rate in 21 months, highlighting a cooling labor market. While firms expressed confidence in increasing output over the next year, positive sentiment has waned significantly, suggesting that the manufacturing sector is expanding at a slower pace amid weakening demand and reduced job creation.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 12 pmeznews.inMarina Beach in Chennai presents a stark and "desolate look" as Cyclone Ditwah, now weakened to a deep depression, continues to impact the region with rough sea conditions and strong winds. Official closures have been enforced along the coast, affecting popular areas such as Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, and Ranipet, which are experiencing moderate rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the system, moving northward at 10 km/h, is currently situated about 90 km south-southeast of Chennai and is expected to remain stationary for the next 24 hours. The deep depression, located approximately 50 km from the north Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts, is forecasted to gradually weaken further into a depression by noon on December 1. Residents are advised to remain cautious as the remnants of the storm continue to affect local weather conditions.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 10 ameznews.inIndian buyers have made significant forward purchases of soybean oil, securing over 150,000 tons monthly from April to July 2026, in anticipation of rising palm oil prices. This unusual buying trend, driven by soybean oil's $20- to $30-a-ton discount compared to palm oil, reflects concerns over potential shortages due to Indonesia's plans to increase its biodiesel blend from 40% to 50% in late 2026. Traders are hedging against this policy, which could tighten global supplies and elevate prices. Additionally, expectations of reduced sunflower oil availability from the Black Sea region are influencing market dynamics. Despite the current price disparity, with palm oil being $90–$100 cheaper per ton than soybean oil, demand for soybean imports has been subdued, as some buyers have canceled orders due to lower domestic prices. This shift highlights the complexities of the vegetable oil market as traders navigate fluctuating supply and demand conditions.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 10 ameznews.inIn a rapidly evolving business landscape, technology is transforming supply chains from mere cost centres into proactive growth enablers, according to a recent McKinsey report. Automated warehousing systems, for instance, can boost storage capacity by up to 25% while enhancing productivity by 30-40% and reducing picking errors by over 50%. AI-driven tools are revolutionising demand forecasting and logistics, enabling companies to respond swiftly to market changes and reduce inventory levels by up to 30%. India's warehousing market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10-12% over the next five years, with government initiatives like Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy paving the way for digital integration. With the right infrastructure and policy support, India could significantly lower logistics costs, enhancing global competitiveness for its businesses.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 6 ameznews.inThe New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) recently marked its golden jubilee by launching and laying the foundation for projects exceeding ₹1,200 crore, primarily aimed at enhancing its oil, gas, petrochemicals, and edible oil sectors. Key developments include the inauguration of a ₹500-crore oil and gas storage facility by Aegis Vopak, capable of handling 2 million tonnes of cargo annually, and the establishment of a ₹70-crore LPG evacuation terminal. Additionally, two significant storage terminals for bitumen and edible oils were dedicated, each valued at ₹100 crore. A ₹72.6 crore roofing project over rail lines at the marshalling yard aims to mitigate operational disruptions during monsoons. PB Ahmed Mudassar, President of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the need for improved handling of less-than-container-load cargo and container freight stations to attract consolidators and enhance the port's logistics capabilities, reinforcing Mangaluru's strategic national importance.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 6 ameznews.inSingapore has been recognized as the world's leading container port in the inaugural 'Leading Container Ports of the World' report, published by DNV and Menon Economics, with Shanghai and Ningbo-Zhoushan following in second and third place, respectively. The report highlights the critical role of maritime transport, which accounts for nearly 90% of global trade by volume, with container ports managing over 80% of non-bulk merchandise. In related news, Bangladesh has signed a significant agreement to develop the Laldia container terminal in Chattogram, a project valued at over $550 million, aimed at enhancing port capacity and efficiency while incorporating sustainable practices. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 4.1% rise in global air cargo demand in October, marking eight consecutive months of growth, alongside a slight increase in global manufacturing sentiment, despite ongoing concerns over new export orders amid tariff uncertainties.
Published: Dec 01 2025, 6 am
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