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North East Fully Embraces Clean Fuel Revolution: Petroleum Minister Puri

The 2G refinery at Numaligarh, in particular, is expected to play a transformative role by producing ethanol from bamboo.

December 05, 2023. By Abha Rustagi

The Petroleum & Natural Gas Minister, Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted the significant economic impact of the upcoming 2G Refinery at Numaligarh during a parliamentary session. The refinery, with a capacity of 185 klpd, is set to create substantial employment opportunities for local farmers by producing ethanol from bamboo.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the North Eastern states in the country's energy production, Puri emphasized that Assam alone contributes approximately 14 percent of the total crude oil production and 10 percent of the total natural gas production in India.

Responding to a question raised by Rajya Sabha M.P. Pabitra Margherita regarding petroleum and natural gas production in Assam, Puri outlined the steps taken by the government to reduce import dependence. Over the last four fiscal years (2019-20 to 2022-23), the state government received a total royalty of INR 9291 crore for crude oil and INR 851 crore for gas production.

Puri also highlighted major projects in the North East valued at INR 44000 crore, including the Numaligarh Refinery expansion project, North East Gas Grid, Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline, and NRL Bio refinery. The 2G refinery at Numaligarh, in particular, is expected to play a transformative role by producing ethanol from bamboo, contributing to both economic growth and sustainable practices.

Additionally, the Petroleum Minister informed the House about the comprehensive City Gas Distribution network covering the entire North Eastern States. This initiative aims to provide cheaper and cleaner cooking and vehicle fuel options to the masses, aligning with the government's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The Petroleum Minister underscored the success in achieving Ethanol blending targets ahead of schedule, moving from 1.53 percent in 2014 to 12 percent in 2023. He also mentioned the availability of E20 (20 percent Ethanol blended fuel) at over 6000 Retail Outlets, with plans for nationwide availability by 2025.

Puri emphasized the government's commitment to promoting alternate energy sources, including Compressed Biogas (CBG), Green Hydrogen, and Electric Vehicles (EVs).

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Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas