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Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, 2013-16; Value of India's oil import, 2013-16; Consumption levels and major sources of crude oil for India, 2013-16; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India, December 8, 2016

Petrol price change: 2013-14, The Times of India

Number of LPG connections as % of households, urban and rural as on November 1, 2015;
Graphic courtesy:The Times of India, March 23, 2016

India, Pakistan and the world: price of petrol and ability to afford its purchase, 2015; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India

State and sale of petro products in 2014-15, state-wise; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India, October 27, 2015

1 Consumption in India...
2 Consumption of Diesel
- 2.1 2012-13
3 Consumption of oil, natural gas
- 3.1 2008-17
4 Economy: India's oil economy
5 Export, import
- 5.1 2014-18
6 Imports
7 Kerosene
- 7.1 2011-12: Use of kerosene in Indian households
- 7.2 The problem with the kerosene subsidy
8 LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
- 8.1 Price
  - 8.1.1 2016> 21
9 Oil storage, trading hub in India
- 9.1 2018: Abu Dhabi oil in Mangaluru’s underground storage facility
10 Oil spills
- 10.1 Steps to control impact of oil spills
  - 10.1.1 2019: Chitosan/ switching into extremely water-repelling to extremely oil-repelling and vice-versa
11 Output
- 11.1 2015-19
12 Petrol pumps
- 12.1 2017: number of pumps, increase in 6 years
13 Prices
14 Refining capacity
- 14.1 2018: India ranks 4th
15 Production (of oil)
- 15.1 As in 2018
16 Refineries
- 16.1 RIL's Jamnagar unit
17 Reserves
- 17.1 Strategic petroleum reserves
  - 17.1.1 Abu Dhabi company hires India's strategic storage
  - 17.1.2 Why India is renting out its caves
- 17.2 The SPR caves
18 Taxes
- 18.1 2017
- 18.2 2017-2020
19 See also
- 19.1 ...and also

Consumption in India...

Consumption of Diesel

2012-13

Registered vehicles per petrol retail outlet, state-wise;
Graphic courtesy: The Times of India,December 16, 2016

Over 13% diesel consumed by high-end cars, SUVs in India, study says

PTI | Jan 28, 2014

Over 13 per cent of subsidized diesel in the country is consumed by high-end cars and SUVs, says a study commissioned by the oil ministry, showing that cheaper fuel is finding usage by unintended beneficiaries.

A study conducted by Nielsen for the ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) found that private cars consumed 13.15 per cent of the 69.08 million tonne diesel consumed in the country in 2012-13.

Commercial vehicles used another 8.94 per cent and three-wheelers, a further 6.39 per cent.

Commercial vehicles such as trucks however constituted the largest user base of diesel at 28.25 per cent, the study said, adding that 70 per cent of the diesel was being used in the transport sector.

Agriculture tractors and pumps used 13 per cent of the diesel.

Industries and electricity generators consumed almost 9 per cent diesel, while mobile towers used 1.54 per cent.

The study found that 99.6 per cent of petrol is consumed in the transport sector alone.

"Of this, majority consumption of 61.42 per cent is accounted for by two-wheelers while cars use 34.33 per cent, followed by 3-wheelers at 2.34 per cent," an official statement said.

It was also revealed that in Odisha, Bihar and Rajasthan, petrol consumption by two-wheelers exceeds 70 per cent.

The consumption by three-wheelers is very low in states like Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat and Odisha, where consumers have shifted to CNG or diesel.

"While pricing of petrol was deregulated, diesel prices are still being regulated, with subsidy running at Rs 8.47 per litre currently," the statement said.

The total subsidy on diesel during 2012-13 was Rs 92,061 crore, constituting 57.2 per cent of the total fuel subsidy.

"The question as to where the Diesel is getting consumed is very relevant in this context," it said.

The statement added: "Based on sector-wise consumption pattern of diesel, it would mean that of the total under- recovery of Rs 92,061 crore on account of diesel during 2012- 13, about Rs 12,100 crore went to owners of private cars and utility vehicles, about Rs 8,200 crore to commercial cars and SUVs, about Rs 26,000 crore to trucks, about Rs 8,800 crore to buses, about Rs 12,000 crore to agriculture sector and about Rs 15,600 crore to other sectors."

Consumption of oil, natural gas

2008-17

Sanjay Dutta, Energy meet cements India’s pole position, April 6, 2018: The Times of India

The Consumption of oil and natural gas in India, 2008-17
From: Sanjay Dutta, Energy meet cements India’s pole position, April 6, 2018: The Times of India

Summit Of 72-Member Group Starts Next Week

India is hosting the 16th ministerial round of International Energy Forum, a grouping of 72 member countries accounting for almost 90% of global supply and demand for oil and gas, in yet another proof of New Delhi’s pole position in the world energy market. The meet will kick off next week.

This will be the second time in less than a month after the International Solar Alliance summit in March when policymakers and corporate leaders from around the world will congregate in India’s capital for a platform for discussing future challenges and changes in the energy sector.

On the surface, ISA and IEF appear contradictory. But scratch and you will find they have a lot in common. ISA is about developing a global ecosystem for promoting solar power. This is as much about supplying affordable power to improve people’s lives as it is about mitigating climate change. Similarly, IEF’s meet will also look for a balance in the oil and gas industry – ensuring affordability, stability and sustainability of supplies while moving towards a low-emission future.

IEF allows India an opportunity to leverage its position as world’s fastestgrowing energy market and to cement its role as moderator between producer and consumer countries.

Economy: India's oil economy

Imports: domestic production ratio

India's oil economy, Imports: domestic production ratio and sources, 2016
HOW DEAL WITH RUSSIA WILL CHANGE INDIA'S OIL ECONOMY Oct 18 2016 : The Times of India

HOW DEAL WITH RUSSIA WILL CHANGE INDIA'S OIL ECONOMY Oct 18 2016 : The Times of India

Till the early 1990s, India used to produce over 70% of the oil it consumed. Now the share of domestic production is nearing 20%. Not only have imports surged, most of the oil is imported from only one region.The deal with Russia will make India's import basket more diversfied, a key requirement for oil security

See graphic

India's oil economy, Imports: domestic production ratio and sources, 2016

2018: ‘Oil has lower impact on economy than believed’

May 22, 2018: The Times of India

Oil is now thought to be less of an independent driver of economic cycles than was previously believed, according to a report by SBI. The study estimates that $10 per barrel increase in oil price will increase the import bill by around $8 billion and decrease gross domestic product (GDP) by 16 basis points (1 percentage point = 100 basis points, or bps).

According to the report by SBI chief economic adviser Soumya Kanti Ghosh, diffusion of technology, user of alternative sources of energy and more importantly, abundance of skilled labour resulting in muted increase in real wages are keeping inflation in check. Ghosh points out that use of alternative source of energy has increased 1.4 times in the last four years in India.

In FY18, the oil import bill rose by $22 billion with crude oil prices rising from $53 to $70. “The current average oil price for FY19 is $73.6 per barrel. Considering the price of oil increases to $90 by March 2019, the average oil price for FY19 will be nearly $84. The worst case scenario is where we assume oil price to hit $90 in June 2018 and reaches $100 by March 2019,” said Ghosh.

He adds that such a scenario will reduce the GDP by 31 bps, increase inflation by 58 bps and the fiscal deficit by 40 bps, assuming a Rs-3 cut in excise duty.

The impact of oil on India’s trade, 2017, 18

The impact of oil on India’s trade: 2017, 2018
From: Sidhartha, Govt looks to boost dollar funding for exporters, June 16, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic:

The impact of oil on India’s trade: 2017, 2018

Export, import

2014-18

The Export and import of major petrochemicals from and to India, 2014-18.
From: August 3, 2020: The Times of India

See graphic:

The Export and import of major petrochemicals from and to India, 2014-18.

Imports

Crude oil

2015-16

Total import of crude oil, 2015-16; The Times of India, May 24, 2017

See graphic:

Total import of crude oil, 2015-16

From Iran

2013-18

India's oil import from Iran- (in million tonnes per annum), 2013-18, year-wise
From: Sanjay Dutta, June 29, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic :

India's oil import from Iran- (in million tonnes per annum), 2013-18, year-wise

From Nigeria

Nigeria says India now its largest crude importer

AFP | Jun 19, 2014

Oil-rich Nigeria said in June 2014 that India has replaced the United States as its largest crude importer, accounting for more than a quarter of its daily output.

"The US, which had traditionally taken the bulk of Nigeria's crude, has in recent months drastically reduced its demand, which now stands at about 250,000 barrels per day," the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said in a statement.

"India, however, now purchases some 30% of Nigeria's daily crude production which currently hovers around 2.5 million barrels," it said, quoting senior official Tim Okon.

The state-run NNPC said after India, China and Malaysia were also ahead of the United States, and that Nigeria, which is Africa's largest oil producer, would supply to customers around the world.

From OPEC

2018

OPEC’s share in India’s imports of crude oil, LPG and LNG, presumably as in 2018
From: Sanjay Dutta, Amid rising prices, India gives OPEC a strong message, June 15, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic:

OPEC’s share in India’s imports of crude oil, LPG and LNG, presumably as in 2018

2016-20

India’s import of petroleum products, 2016-20.
From: June 11, 2020: The Times of India

See graphic:

India’s import of petroleum products, 2016-20.

2018

July 24, 2018: The Times of India

India’s 3 largest oil suppliers in 2018, till June
From: July 24, 2018: The Times of India

Iran displaced Saudi Arabia as India’s second-largest oil supplier in the first quarter of the current fiscal, regaining a position it lost seven years ago, as state-run refiners scrambled to take advantage of Tehran’s attractive financial terms before the US sanctions covering the oil industry come into force in November.

Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Parliament that state-run refiners imported more oil from Iran in the April-June period than Saudi Arabia, which has now been relegated to third position. Iraq remains India’s top oil supplier. The development could deepen the dilemma for New Delhi as it faces the prospect of having to reduce — or completely stop — oil imports from Iran if it fails to get a waiver. But industry sources said there’s enough time to wind down Iranian oil flow and tap other sources — if the need arises — by the sanctions deadline.

Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait could fill the gap, though there will be some incremental increase in costs as they may not offer the sweeteners on freight and insurance that Iran offers.

Besides, the high degree of technical capability gives Indian refineries flexibility to process a variety of oil, precluding dependence on particular types of crude.

Iran was India’s second largest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11

The diverse basket of India’s oil supplies also helps. The real challenge for India is balancing its age-old relations with Tehran and the financial/ strategic stake in the Chabahar port project, the outpost for New Delhi’s Af-Pak policy, and the imperative of avoiding confrontation with the US.

Iran was India’s secondlargest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11. But it dropped to seventh position after India gradually reduced import of Iranian oil to meet conditions of waiver granted by the US administration under President Barack Obama when it had imposed sanctions to curb Tehran’s nuclear prog ramme.

Imports were gradually ramped up after the sanctions were lifted following the July 2015 deal on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. State refiners, however, cut imports in 2017-18 by a quarter in retaliation of Tehran delaying the contract for Farzad-B gas field discovered by a consortium of Indian companies. But once again India’s oil trade with Iran may find itself back to square one. Unlike the sanctions by Obama’s presidency, Trump’s Washington so far appears totally unforgiving. The big two private refiners – Reliance Industries and Nayara led by Russia’s Rosneft – have stopped Iranian imports.

And the oil ministry has told the state refiners to look up alternative supplies in case India does not get a waiver.

2016-20

India's share of oil imports from key suppliers, 2000-20, year-wise.jpg
From: April 2, 2021: The Times of India

Import of oil in India- 2016-19 average share per supplier; 2019-20 share by per supplier
From: April 2, 2021: The Times of India

See graphics:

India's share of oil imports from key suppliers, 2000-20, year-wise.jpg

Import of oil in India- 2016-19 average share per supplier; 2019-20 share by per supplier

Kerosene

2011-12: Use of kerosene in Indian households

The Times of India, Aug 03 2015

State and percentage of households using kerosene, rural and urban; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India, Aug 03 2015

Mahendra Singh

`Kerosene hardly used for cooking, key lighting source'

The latest survey released by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) has revealed that in rural areas, subsidized kerosene was used in less than 1% of kitchens, which relied largely on firewood and chips as the primary source of energy for cooking during 2011-12. After firewood (67% share), cooking gas cylinders have emerged as the second most preferred kitchen fuel in rural areas, with a share of 15%. In urban areas, of course, they now fire over 68% of the stoves, while the share of kerosene is estimated at 5.7%, lower than firewood (14%).

But when it comes to lighting homes in villages, the share of kerosene is estimated at 26.5%, with electricity's share estimated at 72.7%. In urban India, 3.2% of households uses kerosene for lighting while the share of electricity is 96%.

The data points to what several economists have argued for years: there is reduced dependence on kerosene despite the government doling out subsidized fuel, which is suspected to be used in large quantities for adulteration or finds its way into the open market, where there is no subsidy .

Currently , the government pays Rs 18.51 as subsidy for every litre of kerosene sold through the public distribution system. The underrecovery on the sale of kitchen fuel by the oil marketing companies added up to Rs 24,800 crore during the last financial year, with the government taking over around Rs 5,000 crore of the burden and forcing the state-run companies to bear the additional burden. But the findings of the NSSO survey showed wide divergence in fuel used across states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh still relying on dung cake and firewood to a large extent. The use of firewood and chips for cooking has declined, but slowly , over the years in rural India. It declined from 78.2% of all rural households in 1993-94 to 67.3% in 2011-12. LPG use in rural households has grown relatively fast, from fewer than 2% of rural households two decades ago to 15% in 2011-12. Cow-dung cake remained one of the major fuels for cooking for rural households in Ut tar Pradesh (33.4%) followed by Punjab (30.3%), Haryana (24%) and Bihar (20.8%).

Tamil Nadu had the highest use of LPG among rural households, with over a third using it for cooking, followed by Kerala and Punjab. The use of LPG was least in Chhattisgarh (1.5%) followed by Jharkhand (2.9%) and Odisha (3.9%).

When it comes to lighting, 73.5% of rural households in Bihar still use kerosene as primary source of energy for lighting, followed by Uttar Pradesh (58.5%) and Assam (36.8%).

Bihar also tops the chart when it comes to use of kerosene for lighting in urban areas with 17.2% of households still depending on kerosene.Followed by Bihar were Uttar Pradesh (10.8%), Assam (7.9%), Gujarat (5.2%) and West Bengal (5%).

The use of electricity was the highest in rural Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where nearly all rural households used electricity to light their homes. In contrast, just 25.8% of rural Bihar and 40.4% of rural Uttar Pradesh households had electricity .

The problem with the kerosene subsidy

Swaminathan S Aanlesaria Aiyar , SWAMINOMICS - Time to end the worst subsidy of all: kerosene , August 6, 2017: The Times of India

Of India's many subsidies, the kerosene subsidy is the worst. Yet it has been such a sacred cow that no government has dared tackle it for decades. Different states levy different taxes, but in most cities subsidised kerosene retails at around Rs 23litre (it is just Rs 13.50 in Chennai, because of the state's additional subsidy). The open-market price of kerosene (used for commercial purposes) is far higher, around Rs 57litre.

The government has announced that the price of subsidised kerosene will be raised by 25 paise per fortnight until the subsidy goes. At this speed, the losses suffered by refiners could end in a little over a year.However, the retail price (including taxes) needs to be raised to equal the diesel price. That alone will end the adulteration of diesel with kerosene.

Studies show that up to 40% of subsidised kerosene is diverted from poor beneficiaries to the adulteration of diesel, which is more than twice as costly. Adulterated diesel produces massive pollution, much more than ordinary diesel, and the additional truck fumes sicken and kill poor people living on roadsides. The extra pollution hits cities where shopkeepers and industries use diesel gensets to overcome power shortages. Villages using diesel for tractors and pumps also suffer. Subsidising kerosene means subsidising disease and death for millions through pollution.

Besides, kerosene-adulterated diesel damages the engines it is used in. Trucks, gensets, tractors and diesel pumps wear out much faster than they should. The subsidy kills machines as well as humans. The major beneficiaries are crooked adulterators. That's why it is the worst subsidy.

Many left-wing critics have said on TV that the poor will not survive if kerosene becomes costly. Really?

In 2014, Delhi was declared kerosene-free -all sales, subsidised or not, were banned -with consumers having to shift to cooking gas. Chandigarh became kerosenefree in 2016. Did the poor in these cities cease to live?

Did they flee to areas where cheap kerosene was available? Not at all. Indeed, thousands kept migrating from kerosene-available to kerosene-free areas. Haryana has just become kerosene-free last April. All such areas have reduced pollution and hit adulterators, without causing mass distress.

What matters for the poor is not the price of this or that item but overall inflation. But consumer price inflation is now down to 1.54%, the lowest for decades. The gradual upward price drift of kerosene will impact the index only marginally. There will never be a better time to decontrol the price. The needy can be given a free solar lamp for lighting, or a direct cash transfer.

Subsidies are palliatives. Only rapid economic growth accompanied by rising wages can cure poverty.Subsidies are nevertheless warranted for the needy . But, as Swaminomics has argued for decades, the right approach is to give cash to the needy, instead of subsidising goods that may well be used by the rich or crooks.The subsidy on urea, for instance, goes mainly to richer farmers with large holdings, while some is smuggled into Bangladesh. Ultra-cheap urea discourages the use of green manure which is environment friendly. It also means farmers use an excess of urea and not enough potassic or phosphatic fertilisers (which are not subsidised), and this ruins soil quality. Just as subsidising kerosene benefits the wrong people and activities, so too does subsidising urea, or rural power, or almost anything else.

Narendra Modi can no longer be called just an incremental reformer. True, he has moved in baby steps in many areas. But cumulatively they are adding up to a substantial change. When the price of oil was at its height, explicit and implicit subsidies on petroleum products were 2% of GDP. The UPA government devised the strategy of raising the price of petrol in baby steps.The Modi government has extended this to all petroleum products, and buttressed the change with direct cash transfers to the needy. Soon oil subsidies may be down to zero, freeing lakhs of crores to be spent on improving infrastructure, health and skills.

The risk is that new subsidies will take the place of the old. The farm loan waiver that started in UP has spread to other states, and looks certain to be announced in all states going to the polls in the next 18 months. UP, Rajasthan and other states are starting subsidised canteens along the lines of Tamil Nadu's “Amma Canteens“. Ending the kerosene subsidy is a step forward, but the battle for sensible government spending is nowhere near won.

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

Price

2016> 21

March 10, 2021: The Times of India

LPG price has doubled in 7 yrs, and the subsidies are gone too

New Delhi:

The price of a household cooking gas, or LPG, refill has doubled in the last seven years and subsidy has been erased by raising rates in small doses over the years.

Simultaneously, the government’s tax collection from petrol and diesel sales has risen four and a half times as a result of increased taxes during this period, according to oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s written replies in the Lok Sabha. According to replies to a bunch of questions on rising fuel prices on Monday, an LPG refill cost Rs 410.5 cylinder on March 1, 2014 and has risen to Rs 819 this month. The prices are for Delhi, the reference market, and vary in accordance with state taxes elsewhere.

LPG refill price jumped Rs 125 per cylinder in the last 32 days alone as a result of four increases since February 4, stretching budgets of poor households. On the previously unheard levels of fuel prices, Pradhan said petrol and diesel had been decontrolled from June 26, 2010 and October 19, 2014, respectively, and retailers set prices in line with “international product prices, rupee exchange rate, tax structure, inland freight and other cost elements”.

With taxes accounting for the bulk of the retail prices, revenue collection from fuel sales stood at Rs 52,537 crore in 2013, which rose to Rs 2.1 lakh crore in 2019-20 and Rs 2.9 lakh crore in the 11 months of 2020-21.

Petrol carries an excise duty of Rs 32.9 per litre and diesel Rs 31.8 a litre. Excise on petrol was Rs 17.98 a litre in 2018 and Rs 13.83 on diesel.

Pradhan said that the central government’s total excise collection from petrol, diesel, jet fuel, natural gas and crude oil has increased from Rs 2.4 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 3 lakh crore during April-January 2020-21.

Oil storage, trading hub in India

2018: Abu Dhabi oil in Mangaluru’s underground storage facility

1st oil ship from UAE docks at Mangaluru, May 22, 2018: The Times of India

The first shipload of crude sent by ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) for storing in the Mangaluru underground storage facility arrived on Monday, marking India’s first step towards becoming a regional oil storage and trading hub.

Vessel ‘MT Inspiration’ carrying two million barrels of crude docked at the Mangaluru port after sailing for a week, the oil ministry said. ADNOC had in February signed a deal with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd to lease storage capacity for six million barrels of crude at the Mangaluru facility.

This is the first investment from the UAE into an Indian oil project and marks a turning point in Delhi’s buyerseller ties with West Asian oil producers. India wants to reshape its traditional ties with West Asian oil producers into strategic partnership by investing oil projects. The storage puts on tap oil stock for India, enhancing energy security in times of emergency.

Oil spills

Steps to control impact of oil spills

2019: Chitosan/ switching into extremely water-repelling to extremely oil-repelling and vice-versa

R. Prasad, A gel to selectively remove oil or water, March 17, 2019: The Hindu

The chitosan — which is converted into a stable gel — allows the researchers to selectively remove the oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture by making the material either superhydrophobic or superoleophobic, respectively.
From: R. Prasad, A gel to selectively remove oil or water, March 17, 2019: The Hindu

A natural biopolymer, chitosan (a kind of polysaccharide obtained from a chitin shell such as the shrimp’s), which is water-soluble, has been chemically modified by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to selectively remove either an oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture. This becomes possible by making the chitosan-based material, also biodegradeable, to exhibit either an extremely water-repelling property in air (like the lotus leaf) or an extremely oil-repelling property under water (like a fish scale).

In a breakthrough, the researchers have also made it possible to switch the chitosan-based material’s property — from being extremely water-repelling to extremely oil-repelling and vice-versa — by treating it with certain chemicals. It is also possible to repeatedly switch from one property to another.

Fabrication

To prepare the water or oil repelling chitosan, a team led by Dr. Uttam Manna from the institute’s Department of Chemistry and Centre for Nanotechnology first converted the material into nanoparticles and then to a stable gel material by treating it with a chemical (5Acl). This gel was found to have chemically active residues (amines and acrylate), which when treated with a small amine resulted in optimisation of the two very different properties in the same material.

Says Nirban Jana from the institute’s Department of Chemistry and first author of a paper published in the journal Chemistry of Materials, “This is the first time that the liquid repellency property of the material is made switchable, from superhydrophobic to superoleophobic under water and back to superhydrophobic by treating the material at low pH and ethanol, respectively.”

The chitosan — which is converted into a stable gel — allows the researchers to selectively remove the oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture by making the material either superhydrophobic or superoleophobic, respectively. For example, if the oil spill (in water) is less, the material can be made water-repelling to remove or collect the oil. In case the spill is huge and the water phase relatively less, the material can be made extremely oil-repelling to collect or remove water.

Property switch

By treating the material with acid (pH 1) for about 15 minutes, the team (led by Dr. Uttam Manna from the institute’s Department of Chemistry) was able to completely switch the property of the material — from being extremely water-repelling to becoming extremely oil-repelling under water.

Similarly, by treating the biopolymer with ethanol for 10 minutes followed by air drying, the team was able to switch the property from being oil-repelling to becoming water-repelling.

Says Dr. Manna, “The water contact angle of the superhydrophobic biopolymer is over 152º and the oil contact angle under water is nearly 159º.” The higher the contact angle the greater is the liquid repellency of the material.

Superior performance

The researchers tested the ability of the biopolymer to separate oils — kerosene, motor oil, olive oil and even crude oil — of different densities from water. Says Dr. Manna, “Under water, we were able to completely remove even crude oil from the water phase. The selective separation efficiency for both oil and water phases was above 95% immaterial of the viscosity of the oil.”

The biopolymer’s superhydrophobic property remained intact under diverse chemical conditions such as extreme pH (pH 1 and pH 13), sea and river water for seven days, and high (100º C) and low (10º C) temperatures.

The material was found to retain both hydrophobicity and oleophobicity even when the top surface of the biopolymeric material was physically abraded using sand paper. Despite the abraded surface being cleaved through manual peeling using an adhesive, the liquid repellence property remained intact. No change in this was seen after the mechanically damaged material was subjected to even a continuous stream of sand grains. Exposure to UV light for a month too did not destroy this repellence property.

Output

2015-19

August 3, 2020: The Times of India

Output of major petrochemicals in India, 2015-19
From: August 3, 2020: The Times of India

See graphic:

Output of major petrochemicals in India, 2015-19

Petrol pumps

2017: number of pumps, increase in 6 years

November 29, 2017: The Times of India

India has recorded 45 per cent jump in the number of petrol pumps in the last six years, possibly the highest growth rate in the world, as public and private sector firms jostled to capture retailing sites.

With 60,799 outlets dispensing petrol and diesel at the end of October, India is behind only US and China in number of petrol pumps, data available from Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell of the Oil Ministry.

In 2011, the country had 41,947 outlets, of which 2,983 or 7.1 per cent, were owned or operated by private retailers like Reliance Industries and Essar oil.

Private firms own 5,474, or 9 per cent of the total outlets, with Essar being the leader with 3,980 stations. US and China have around one lakh petrol stations each.

Several countries around the globe have seen the number of petrol pumps drop as they moved towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) and alternate forms of energy but they have grown in India, which is the world's fastest growing oil consumer.

India had in 2015 overtaken Japan as the world's third- largest oil consuming country behind US and China. Fuel consumption grew by 9.5 per cent in the April-October period of the current fiscal.

Oil ministry data showed that 18,852 outlets were added between 2011 and 2017. Of the 60,799 petrol pumps in the country, 55,325 are owned by state-owned fuel retailers. India Oil Corp (IOC) owns and operates 26,489 petrol stations, of which 7,232 are rural outlets. Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) is the second biggest fuel retailer with 14,675 outlets, 3,159 being rural sites. Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) owns 14,161 outlets, of which 2,548 are rural outlets.

In the private sector, Reliance Industries owns 1,400 outlets while Royal Dutch Shell has 90 stations. Besides, there are 1,273 outlets dispensing CNG to automobiles, the most number of 423 being in Delhi, the data showed.

Industry officials said public sector oil companies will continue to add at least 2,000 petrol pumps per annum over the next few years. In the private sector, Essar, which was recently taken over by Russia's Rosneft, had been the most aggressive. It had 1,382 outlets in 2011 and now has 3,980, which it plans to take up to 5,600 by March 2019.

Reliance Industries is going slow on the fuel retailing business and hasn't added any new site recently. It has concentrated on reopening the pumps that were shut because it could not compete with subsidised price of fuel at PSU outlets.

With deregulation of petrol in June 2010 and diesel in 2014, private players have once again become active on fuel retailing expansion.

Prices

How petroleum is priced in India

Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

Petroleum prices in India, 2011-18
From: Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

India vis-à-vis other big economies, oil consumption and prices
From: Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

What is tax on petrol and diesel, India, January 2018
From: Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

Contribution of petroleum sector to centre and state, 2013-17, year-wise
From: Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

India's import dependency for crude oil and domestic consumption, 2013-14, year-wise
From: Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

India vis-à-vis other big economies, petrol prices, GDP per capita and prive of litre of petrol as % of daily per capita GDP
From: Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: The Times of India

See graphics:

1. Petroleum prices in India, 2011-18

2. India vis-à-vis other big economies, oil consumption and prices

3. What is tax on petrol and diesel, India, January 2018

4. Contribution of petroleum sector to centre and state, 2013-17, year-wise

5. India's import dependency for crude oil and domestic consumption, 2013-14, year-wise

6. India vis-à-vis other big economies, petrol prices, GDP per capita and prive of litre of petrol as % of daily per capita GDP

India’s daily consumption of crude oil is 4.5 million barrels (1 barrel about 159 litres), the third highest globally. Only the US and China consume more than us. We however have way smaller domestic oil reserves and are dependent on imports for about 80% of our total oil consumption.

How is petroleum priced in India?

The government gotinvolved in regulating oil prices from 1948, and decided that international prices alone could not be the determinant as indigenous production and refining capacity was increasing. From the70s to the early 2000s, the oil prices committee recommended an administered pricing mechanism based on domestic cost of production. In 2010, petrol prices were deregulated, while diesel was freed up in 2014.

How do global crude prices reflect in India?

In 2012, 2013 and 2014 crude prices crossed unprecedented levels and impacted our petrol prices, at the time deregulated. Subsequently, the priceof theIndian basket of crude has fallen but fuel prices in the domestic market have gone up becauseof taxes. Incidentally, prices are not completely dependent on the international market.

So, does the govt make no money from petroleum products?

Data for the past four years shows both Centre and states make large sums from petroleum products. For instance, in 2013-14, the Centre collected Rs 1.1 lakh crore as taxes from petroleum of which Rs 0.8 lakh crore was spent in payouts including subsidies. This translated into a net gain of Rs 0.3 lakh crore for the Centre. This gain increased to Rs 2.5 lakh crore in 2016-17.

Isn’t it fair to tax petroleum and use that money for welfare?

In most advanced countries (barring the US) petroleum is a highly taxed commodity. But these countries have way higher incomes as compared to the average Indian and the cost doesn’t pinch as much as it does Indians. In this scenario, a high tax on petrol in a country at our income level remains a matter of debate.

2011-18: impact of rupee’s value and taxes

September 11, 2018: The Times of India

2011-18- The impact of the rupee’s value and taxes on the price of petroleum
From: September 11, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic:

2011-18- The impact of the rupee’s value and taxes on the price of petroleum

Imports are low but pricing assumes imports: 2015-18

i): Petrol and diesel: imports into and exports from India, 2015-18;
ii) Fuel in India is priced as if it is imported;
iii) Profits of India’s oil companies (Reliance, Indian Oil), 2015-18; and
iv) Taxes earned by the government from the sales of Petrol and diesel: 2014/5- 18
From: September 20, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic:

i): Petrol and diesel: imports into and exports from India, 2015-18;
ii) Fuel in India is priced as if it is imported;
iii) Profits of India’s oil companies (Reliance, Indian Oil), 2015-18; and
iv) Taxes earned by the government from the sales of Petrol and diesel: 2014/5- 18

Subsidies and Oil Bonds

Sanjay Dutta, ₹1.3L cr oil bond burden limits scope for tax cut, September 14, 2018: The Times of India

Oil bond liability, 2015-26
From: Sanjay Dutta, ₹1.3L cr oil bond burden limits scope for tax cut, September 14, 2018: The Times of India

The oil price spike during the global economic boom may be history but the Centre is still dealing with unpaid subsidy bills of over Rs 1.3 lakh crore dating back to a decade, leaving the Narendra Modi government little fiscal headroom to reduce tax on petrol and diesel.

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had ended subsidy on petrol and diesel in April 2002. But the UPA brought back the subsidy regime to keep pump prices artificially low under pressure from coalition partners, particularly the Left parties.

The subsidy regime was implemented through a three-way burden-sharing mechanism. Under this scheme, the government bore one-third of the under-recovery on fuels through subsidy and the remaining part was split among state-run oil refiners such as IndianOil and BPCL and upstream companies such as ONGC.

The UPA government finally freed up petrol pricing in June 2010 but continued the subsidy on diesel. As the subsidy bill continued to swell, it decided on a ‘graded’ increase to wipe out the gap between cost and market price.

ONGC and Oil India Ltd had for more than 13 years paid as much as 40% of the under-recoveries arising from fuel retailers selling petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene at a government-mandated price, which was way below cost.

A part of the subsidy liability was shifted for future by issuing oil bonds of over Rs 1.4 lakh crore, a part of which will mature in 2021 and continue through 2026. Of the total bonds, only three tranches adding up to Rs 11,500 crore have matured till 2015. Government sources said the bonds entail huge annual interest payout as the papers were issued at an average 8% interest rate.

The Modi administration has been under pressure to lower excise duty on petrol and diesel to arrest runaway retail prices. On Thursday, petrol touched a record high of Rs 81 a litre and diesel soared to 73.08 a litre in Delhi, the benchmark market where state taxes are among the lowest in the country.

Changes in the prices of oil, petroleum, diesel, natural gas

2002-16

See graphic:

The difference between the prices of diesel and petrol, 2002-16

Percentage share of diesel vehicles in total sales, 2009-16

The difference between the prices of diesel and petrol, 2002-16; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India, May 26, 2016

Percentage share of diesel vehicles in total sales, 2009-16; Graphic courtesy: The Times of India, May 26, 2016

2006–2014

Change in petrol, diesel, crude oil prices: 2006–2014;
From: The Times of India

See graphic:

Change in petrol, diesel, crude oil prices: 2006–2014

2012-2020

The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, 2012-2020
From: May 6, 2020: The Times of India

See graphic:

The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, 2012-2020

2013-16

Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, Value of India's import and consumption, 2013-16; The Times of India, December 8, 2016

See graphic:

Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, Value of India's import and consumption, 2013-16

2014-17

i) The price of crude oil, 2014-17;
ii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Delhi, 2014-17;
iii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sept 2017;
iv) The component of taxes in Delhi
From The Times of India, September 14, 2017

See graphic:

i) The price of crude oil, 2014-17;
ii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Delhi, 2014-17;
iii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sept 2017;
iv) The component of taxes in Delhi

2015

2015: the prices of petrol and diesel in the major cities of India, indicating where it is the most and where the least expensive

Mar 26 2015

The basic price of petrol and the excise duty levied by the central government is uniform across the country. The final retail prices, however, vary from state to state depending on the state-level VAT, sales tax, local freight, delivery charges and so on. A comparison of 33 markets in different states shows that petrol is cheapest in Port Blair where it costs Rs 54.1 a litre, about 14 rupees cheaper than in Hyderabad where the rate is highest. Port Blair again has the cheapest diesel, with prices there 10 rupees lower than in Mumbai, which has the most expensive diesel in the country.

2016: crude price lowest in 12 years

The retail price of petrol in India, compared with other countries, in 2016; The Times of India, May 7, 2017

The Times of IndiaJan 09 2016

Average price of crude oil in India: Nov 2001-Jan 15, ii) Imports (2013- Jan 16) in terms of value and quantity; The Times of IndiaJan 09 2016

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

The price of crude bought by Indian refiners slumped to its lowest level in nearly 12 years, renewing hopes of continued reduced pump prices for consumers. It has also created room for government to raise fuel taxes to prop up the central kitty . However, it could also spark fresh worries of inventory losses for oil company bosses.

The mix of crude that India buys, called the `Indian basket', slumped after the European benchmark Brent slipped to its lowest in 13 years on worries over a slowdown in China, the second biggest oil consumer, amid oversupply .

For India, which imports 80% of its crude requirement, the happy hour also carries a statutory warning over currency and export woes.

The upside of low oil prices comes from forex savings on crude import. The savings are estimated at Rs 2 lakh crore this year. Latest data projects a 35% drop in the oil import bill at $73 billion against $112 billion last year, for nearly the same quantity . This is in addition to reduced subsidy for cooking fuels.

To put the savings in per spective, it would be enough to cover the Centre's school education, health, women and child development budgets, and pay for the rural jobs scheme. The government may also utilize this window to mop up additional resour ces by going for another round of excise hike on fuels. Signs of stability in global markets helped the domestic equities break a four-session losing streak but failed to stop the BSE sensex from logging its worst weekly performance since November 2011.

The benchmark BSE sensex rose by 82.5 points to recover from 19-month lows on Friday but on a weekly basis tumbled by 1,226.6 points or 4.7% on concerns over the health of Chinese economy and geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

2018, May: retail prices highest since 2013

Why Petrol Price Has Hit A Record High , May 21, 2018: The Times of India

Petroleum, diesel, kerosene prices in Indian cities
i) From June 2002- April 2018;
ii) Compared to neighbouring countries; iii) Compared to major economies;
iv) The ‘components’ of the Petroleum and diesel prices
From:Why Petrol Price Has Hit A Record High, May 21, 2018: The Times of India

Are present petrol and diesel prices highest ever?

In the last 16 years petrol, reached the highest price of Rs 76.06 per litre in Delhi on September 14, 2013. The next four highest prices were reached in May 2018. The present price of diesel, on the other hand, is the highest ever in this 16-year period.

What is the proportion of taxes as a component of the prices?

Over 50% of petrol’s retail price constitutes taxes and dealer commissions. For diesel, the corresponding figure is over 40%. Taxes vary in different states and hence there are variations in retail prices.

In which cities are these fuels the most and least expensive?

Petrol is most expensive in Mumbai, while Hyderabad has the highest diesel price. It is interesting that in many cities the difference between petrol and diesel prices have narrowed significantly meaning there would be very little advantage for diesel vehicle owners.

Does India have the region’s highest petrol prices?

For petrol and diesel, prices are the highest in India. Effective cost of LPG cylinder after DBTL — Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG — is the lowest in India. Only Sri Lanka has a lower price of kerosene oil.

Are India’s petrol prices more than other large nations?

In advanced countries (except the US) petroleum is a highly taxed commodity. Average citizens of these countries, however have higher income as compared to average Indians and the cost doesn’t set them back as much as it does for us. For instance it will cost about 20% of the daily income of an average Indian to buy a litre of petrol.

2019-20: difference between petrol and diesel prices shrunk to 71 paise

Sanjay Dutta, June 23, 2020: The Times of India

The difference between petrol and diesel prices. June 2019-2020
From: Sanjay Dutta, June 23, 2020: The Times of India

The difference between petrol and diesel prices shrunk to 71 paise, or less than 1%, its lowest-ever, in Delhi on Monday after state-run fuel retailers raised prices for the 16th consecutive day. In Mumbai, the gap shrunk to less than 12%, or Rs 9.12 a litre, which is still the narrowest so far.

After the latest increase, petrol price rose to Rs 79.56 a litre and diesel to Rs 78.85, the highest in 21 months.

In Mumbai, petrol sold for Rs 86.36 a litre and diesel for Rs 77.24.

Government data show the gap was widest at Rs 30.25, or nearly 74%, on June 18, 2012 when petrol cost Rs 71.16 a litre and diesel Rs 40.91 in Delhi. In Mumbai, the gap was widest at Rs 31.17 on June 28, the same year when petrol sold at Rs 76.45 a litre and diesel Rs 45.28.

Tax on diesel was mostly kept low

Diesel prices have traditionally trailed petrol by a wide margin because of the way it used to be taxed by the Centre and states. Tax on diesel was kept low as it is mainly used by transporters and farmers.

But since fuel-pricing was deregulated in October 2014, this difference has also narrowed. In Delhi, for example, taxes account for 64% of petrol price and 63% of diesel price. The variation in price gaps seen in the two metros is due to the difference in state levies, which magnifies the impact of central taxes and price revisions. Fuel taxes in Delhi were among the lowest in the country till April, while state levies in Mumbai were among the steepest.

This reversed after the Delhi government jacked up VAT on diesel to 30% from 16.75% on May 4, which keeps diesel prices higher than Mumbai. VAT on petrol was also raised to 30% from 27% but it is still lower than Mumbai.

Diesel has been catching up slowly ever since the daily price revision was introduced in June 2017.

2020 Feb, 2021 February

The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, Mumbai, 2020, 2021
From: Sanjay Dutta, February , 2021: The Times of India

See graphic:

The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, Mumbai: 2020, 2021

The component of central, state taxes, 2014-16

States with highest sales tax/VAT rates on petrol and diesel; States keep Centre company in milking fuel consumers, September 21, 2017: The Times of India

States keep Centre company in milking fuel consumers, September 21, 2017: The Times of India

See graphic:

States with highest sales tax, VAT rates on petrol and diesel

The spike in pump prices has brought the excise duty hikes on petrol and diesel between 2014 and 2016 back into focus. But the public outcry over the government's refusal to prune the tax has overshadowed the fact that the Centre is not alone in milking fuel consumers.State government too are raking it in through high sales tax or VAT, with states ruled by the BJP or its allies making up the top grossers.

This is one of the reasons the Centre has remained steadfast against cutting excise duty even after petrol has become costlier by over Rs 7 per litre or so since July .Pump prices rose to their three-year highs in cities such as Mumbai because of high state taxes amplifying the impact of recent rise in international product prices.

VAT collection from fuels has risen more than 16% from Rs 1,42,848 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 1,66, 378 crore in 2016-17.During the same period, however, just excise mop up from fuels has risen over 35% from Rs 1,78,591 crore to Rs 2,42,691 crore, according to PPAC da ta. In addition, the Centre also collects royalty, cess and dividend from the oil industry .

No wonder consumers are seeing the Centre's move to raise excise on fuels as the fly in the ointment. The Centre had cumulatively hiked excise on petrol by Rs 11.77 per litre and on diesel Rs 13.47 a litre between November 2014 and January 2016 to soak up part of the benefit of tumbling global oil prices.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley and oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan had then separately explained in Parliament that the government was doing this to raise funds for infrastructure and social welfare schemes.

Jaitley tried to shift the focus on states by saying they charge a high amount of sales tax or VAT on fuel and the Centre needs money to spend on infrastructure and social sectors to keep the engine of growth ticking.

…in 2013, Oct and 2018, May

The component of central and state taxes in the prices of Petroleum and diesel in India in 2013, Oct and 2018, May
From: May 22, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic:

The component of central and state taxes in the prices of Petroleum and diesel in India in 2013, Oct and 2018, May

Affordability

2017

Petrol prices as a percentage of a day’s income, in India and other major countries, in 2017
From The Times of India, October 5, 2017

See graphic, Petrol prices as a percentage of a day’s income, in India and other major countries, in 2017

As in 2021; prices: 2012-21

Petroleum, diesel: Affordability 2021; prices: 2012-21; International comparisons: 2021
From: February 20, 2021: The Times of India

See graphic:

Petroleum, diesel: Affordability 2021; prices: 2012-21; International comparisons: 2021

International price comparisons

1998> 2018

The prices of petrol and diesel in India, China and other major economies, in 1998 and 2018
From: July 4, 2018: The Times of India

See graphic:

The prices of petrol and diesel in India, China and other major economies, in 1998 and 2018

Refining capacity

2018: India ranks 4th

Oil Refining capacity in India, Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, S Korea and the USA, presumably as in 2018
From: August 13, 2019: The Times of India

See graphic:

Oil Refining capacity in India, Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, S Korea and the USA, presumably as in 2018.

Production (of oil)

As in 2018

Production (of oil) in India, As in 2018
From: April 30, 2019: The Times of India

See graphic:

Production (of oil) in India, As in 2018

Refineries

RIL's Jamnagar unit

RIL's Jamnagar refining unit was, in 2019, among the world’s most complex.
From: April 23, 2019: The Times of India

See graphic:

RIL's Jamnagar refining unit was, in 2019, among the world’s most complex

Reserves

Strategic petroleum reserves

June 28, 2018: The Times of India

Called strategic petroleum reserves, these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks
From: June 28, 2018: The Times of India

HIGHLIGHTS

In its bid for long-term solution against global crude oil price volatility, India is looking towards caves that store oil

Called strategic petroleum reserves, these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks

During the Gulf War in 1990, India was hit with a crisis so severe that the country was left with oil reserves adequate for just 3 days. Oil prices shot up alarmingly as a fall out of the war and triggered an inflationary spiral across the world and India could not escape the heat.

As the government's coffers bled heavily in buying high-priced crude, India's forex reserves came down to $1.2 billion at the end of April 1991. To put this into perspective, in the week ended June 15, the country's foreign currency assets stood at $410.07 billion.

Even though the forex reserves are nowhere close to the dismal state it saw in 1991, volatility in global oil prices and its vagaries may be tracked as recently as to the spike in petrol and diesel prices a few weeks back that sent the government scampering for policy changes.

In its bid for long-term solution, India is looking towards caves that store oil. Called strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs), these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks.

India already has three underground storage facilities, built at the cost of Rs 4,100 crore that can store 5.33 million tonnes (MMT) of crude oil. The one in Visakhapatnam is already filled with 1.33 MMT of oil, another in Mangalore is filled to a fourth of its 1.50 MMT capacity, and the third in Padur, Karnataka, is built but awaiting oil for storage.

The cabinet has now approved two more SPRs -- a 4.4 million tonnes SPR at Chandikhol in Odisha and a 2.5 million tonnes facility at Padur in Karnataka.

The oil in the three SPRs already built can help meet 10 days of crude requirement, and the two planned ones can hold supply of about 12 more days.

Abu Dhabi company hires India's strategic storage

November 12, 2018: The Times of India

India signed an initial pact to lease out a part of its underground strategic oil storage at Padur in Karnataka to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) for storing crude oil, the second such deal with the UAE firm this year, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

India has built 5.33 million tonne (MT) of emergency storage + -- enough to meet its oil needs for 9.5 days, in underground rock caverns in Mangalore and Padur in Karnataka and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It has allowed foreign oil companies to store oil in the storages on condition that the stockpile can be used by New Delhi in case of an emergency.

ADNOC had in February this year signed a pact to fill half of the 1.5 MT strategic oil storage + at Mangalore. On Monday it signed a similar pact for Padur.

"ISPRL (Strategic Petroleum Reserve entity of India) and ADNOC of UAE signed MoU to explore possibilities of ADNOC investment in filling up of crude oil in Padur + strategic reserve in Karnataka," Pradhan, who is in Abu Dhabi for the agreement signing, tweeted.

The agreement allows ADNOC to sell or trade crude oil storage in the storages to local refiners but give Indian government the first right to the oil in case of an emergency.

"ADNOC signs MoU with the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), to explore storage of crude oil at Padur underground facility in Karnataka, which has a 2.5 MT (about 17 million barrels) capacity," the UEA firm tweeted.

Official sources said the pact followed the Cabinet's last week decision of approving filling up of the underground strategic oil storage at Padur by foreign oil companies.

While a third of the Visakhapatnam facility has been hired by Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), ADNOC and government of India filled the storage at Mangalore. The 2.5 MT Padur facility remained empty.

Allowing foreign companies to use the storage for storing crude oil helps the government save on the cost of filling the reserves. Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had after the Cabinet meeting on November 8 said that allowing foreign companies to store oil in Padur + would help the government save Rs 10,000 crore.

UAE Oil Minister Sultan al-Jaber said:"India is an important oil market and the agreement with ISPRL underscores the strategic energy partnership between the UAE and India that leverages the UAE and ADNOC's expertise and oil resources."

ADNOC in another tweet quoted Pradhan as saying that "the MoU with ADNOC will allow ISPRL to explore opportunities related to the possible storage of ADNOC crude at Padur, which would help to significantly strengthen the country's strategic petroleum reserves."

The ISPRL has constructed and commissioned underground rock caverns for storage of total 5.33 MT(around 39 million barrels) of crude oil at three locations -- Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MT), Mangalore (1.5 MT) and Padur (2.5 MT).

Padur storage has four compartments of 0.625 MT each and ADNOC may use half of the storage capacity for stocking its oil.

The total 5.33 MT capacity under Phase-I of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) programme is estimated to supply about 9.5 days of India's crude requirement.

In Mangalore, it had agreed to stock 5.86 million barrels of 0.75 MT of oil.

In Phase-II, India plans to build an additional 6.5 MT facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur, which is expected to augment the emergency cover against any supply disruption by another 11.5 days.

Sources said oil firms like ADNOC could use the Padur storage to stock their oil and sell it to refineries in the region on commercial terms.

India, which meets 83 per cent of its oil needs through imports, will have the right of first refusal to buy the crude oil stored in the facilities in case of an emergency, they said.

Indian refiners maintain 65 days of crude storage, and when added to the storage planned and achieved by ISPRL, the Indian crude storage tally goes up to about 87 days. This is very close to the storage of 90 days mandated by IEA for member countries.

ADNOC had last year given up its crude storage lease in South Korea and instead agreed to store oil at Mangalore in a bid to establish a ground presence in the world's third-largest oil consuming nation.

Out of the crude stored, a part would be used for commercial purposes by ADNOC, while a major part would be purely for strategic purposes.

The Visakhapatnam facility can meet two-and-half days need while Mangalore can meet 2.8 days requirement. Padur can meet 4.7 days requirement.

The SPR at Mangalore consists of two compartments with a total storage capacity of 1.5 MT (11 million barrels). While one compartment has been filled with crude oil through funds made available by the government, the other compartment will be filled with crude supplied by ADNOC.

ADNOC hired the Mangalore storage just as it ended a contract to store 6 million barrels of crude oil at Korea National Oil Corp's Yeosu facility in the country's southwest coast.

South Korea had first right over the oil in the event of a supply emergency.

Why India is renting out its caves

November 13, 2018: The Times of India

India signed an initial pact to lease out a part of its underground strategic oil storage at Padur in Karnataka to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) for storing crude oil. Padur storage has four compartments of 0.625 MMT (million metric tonnes) each and ADNOC may use half of the storage capacity for stocking its oil.

Allowing foreign companies to use the storage for storing crude oil helps the government save on the cost of filling the reserves.

"ADNOC is the only foreign oil and gas company, so far, to invest by way of crude oil in India's strategic petroleum reserves programme," an oil ministry statement said.

Caves of oil: They are called strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs). India has three underground storage facilities (built at the cost of Rs 4,100 crore) that can store 5.33 million tonnes of crude oil. The one in Visakhapatnam is already filled with 1.33 MMT of oil, deals to fill another 1.50 MMT capacity in Mangalore have been signed, and the third (with 2.5 MMT capacity) in Padur, Karnataka, is built but awaiting oil for storage. India also plans to build an additional 6.5 MMT facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur.

Caves on rent: India on Monday signed an initial pact to lease out a part of its storage at Padur to ADNOC, the second such deal with the UAE firm this year. It had signed a pact in February to fill half of the storage at Mangalore.

Why? The agreement allows ADNOC to sell or trade crude oil stored in these facilities to local refiners but it gives Indian government the first right to the oil in case of an emergency. Allowing foreign companies to store oil will help Centre save Rs 10,000 crore. The storage facilities are for India’s energy security, and to insulate us from external price and supply shocks. The oil in the three facilities already built can help meet 10 days of crude requirement, and the two planned ones can hold supply of about 12 more days.

What crisis? There was one during the Gulf War in 1990, when our oil reserves were adequate only for three days. Plus, others like US, Japan, China, UK and EU have it too.

The SPR caves

Why India wants investors to fill its caves with oil, October 13, 2018: The Times of India

Amid the volatility in the global crude prices, the government is planning to increase its capacity of oil reserves and is seeking investments from oil traders and producers.

Caves of oil: They are called strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs). India has three underground storage facilities (built at the cost of Rs 4,100 crore) that can store 5.33 million tonnes of crude oil.

Oil in caves: The one in Visakhapatnam is filled with 1.33 MMT of oil purchased by the government, another in Mangalore (with 1.50 MMT capacity) has been half-filled by the government and another half leased to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, and the third in Padur, Karnataka, is built but awaiting oil for storage.

Dig some more: Cabinet early this year approved two more SPRs: a 4.4 million tonnes SPR at Chandikhol in Odisha and a 2.5 million tonnes facility at Padur in Karnataka.

What now?

Centre is seeking $1.5 billion in investments from global oil producers and traders to build the two additional reserves. It plans to hold roadshows in New Delhi, Singapore and London this month to draw investors. Getting private investors will lessen the financial burden on the government.

Private or public?

While the oil will be filled by private companies, India will reserve the first right over the crude. Government-owned Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (formed in 2006) will collaborate with private entities to invest in the project.

Why?

For India’s energy security (we import 85% of our crude needs), and to insulate us from external price and supply shocks. The oil in the three SPRs already built can help meet 10 days of crude requirement, and the two planned ones can hold supply of about 12 more days.

What crisis?

There was one during the Gulf War in 1990, when our oil reserves were adequate only for three days. Plus, others like US, Japan, China, UK and EU have it too.

Taxes

2017

Taxes on petrol and diesel in some selected states, 2017
From The Times of India, October 5, 2017

See graphic, Taxes on petrol and diesel in some selected states, 2017

2017-2020

Taxes on petroleum products in India, 2017-2020.
From: July 7, 2020: The Times of India

See graphic:

Taxes on petroleum products in India, 2017-2020.

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+[[File: Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, 2013-16; Value of India's oil import, 2013-16; Consumption levels and major sources of crude oil for India, 2013-16.jpg|Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, 2013-16; Value of India's oil import, 2013-16; Consumption levels and major sources of crude oil for India, 2013-16; Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=STATOISTICS-INDIAS-CRUDE-OIL-BILL-IS-DOWN-50-08122016010048 ''The Times of India''], December 8, 2016|frame|500px]]
+[[File: petrol.jpg|Petrol price change: 2013-14, [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Gallery.aspx?id=01_12_2014_010_030_008&type=P&artUrl=Petrol-price-reduced-by-91-paise-diesel-by-01122014010030&eid=31808 ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+[[File: Number of LPG connections as % of households, urban and rural as on November 1, 2015.jpg|Number of LPG connections as % of households, urban and rural as on November 1, 2015; <br/> Graphic courtesy:[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=STATOISTICS-AN-AVERAGE-FAMILY-IN-HIMACHAL-PRADESH-HAS-23032016008022 ''The Times of India''], March 23, 2016|frame|500px]]
+[[File: India, Pakistan and the world, price of petrol and ability to afford its purchase, 2015.jpg|India, Pakistan and the world: price of petrol and ability to afford its purchase, 2015; Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=14_09_2015_015_035_002&type=P&artUrl=NEWSICLE-INDIA-LEAST-AFFORDABLE-TO-BUY-PETROL-14092015015035&eid=31808 ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+[[File: State and sale of petro products in 2014-15, state-wise.jpg|State and sale of petro products in 2014-15, state-wise; Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Gallery.aspx?id=27_10_2015_036_018_003&type=P&artUrl=STATOISTICS-PETRO-MAX-27102015036018&eid=31808 ''The Times of India''], October 27, 2015|frame|500px]]
-'''This page is under construction. Data will continue to be added over the next several years. '''
-=March as a whole=
+=Consumption in India... =
-==Delhi, 1992-2018: March getting warmer==
+=Consumption of Diesel =
-[[File: March temperatures, 1992 2018.jpg| Highest March temperatures, 1992 2018<br/> From [ '' The Times of India ''] |frame|500px]]
+==2012-13==
+[[File: Registered vehicles per petrol retail outlet in India, state-wise.jpg|Registered vehicles per petrol retail outlet, state-wise; <br/> Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=STATOISTICS-A-petrol-pump-serves-22500-vehicles-in-16122016009017  ''The Times of India''],December 16, 2016|frame|500px]]
-[Amit.Bhattacharya |Delhi feels the heat: Warmest March in 8 yrs @timesgroup.com The Times of India] 2018
-New Delhi: Day temperatures in the capital have remained the highest in years for the third month in a row, with March setting an eightyear heat record as rains continued to remain elusive in the region.
+''' Over 13% diesel consumed by high-end cars, SUVs in India, study says '''
-The average maximum temperature during [March 2018] was 3.3 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Higher-than-normal day temperatures prevailed on 30 out of 31 days during the month while the normal minimums were breached on 26 days.
+[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Over-13-diesel-consumed-by-high-end-cars-SUVs-in-India-study-says/articleshow/29510365.cms PTI] | Jan 28, 2014
-The data comes on the back of high day temperatures seen in January and February [2018]. Both months were the ''' warmest seen in the capital in 12 years. '''  With this, all three months of the year have been unusually warm in Delhi. With IMD forecasting a sizzling summer ahead for the region, heat records could well keep tumbling.
+Over 13 per cent of subsidized diesel in the country is consumed by high-end cars and SUVs, says a study commissioned by the oil ministry, showing that cheaper fuel is finding usage by unintended beneficiaries.
+A study conducted by Nielsen for the ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) found that private cars consumed 13.15 per cent of the 69.08 million tonne diesel consumed in the country in 2012-13.
-''' March getting warmer every year, reveal data '''
+Commercial vehicles used another 8.94 per cent and three-wheelers, a further 6.39 per cent.
-The average maximum temperature of 32.9 degrees Celsius during March 2018 the month was the highest since 2010, when it had reached 33.8 degrees C. Data since 1992 reveal that maximum temperatures in March have been steadily rising, a trend that could be linked to global warming.
+Commercial vehicles such as trucks however constituted the largest user base of diesel at 28.25 per cent, the study said, adding that 70 per cent of the diesel was being used in the transport sector.
-=== Rainfall during March===
+Agriculture tractors and pumps used 13 per cent of the diesel.
-Another trend that continued from the previous months was ''' below-normal rainfall. '''  March saw zero rain for the first time since 2010 (although trace rain was recorded on March 21 2018).
-“The warm days were a result of lack of moisture and practically no clouds during the period. An anti-cyclonic wind pattern set in during the last week that further ramped up temperatures,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, head of IMD’s Regional Weather Forecasting Centre.
+Industries and electricity generators consumed almost 9 per cent diesel, while mobile towers used 1.54 per cent.
-Clear sky conditions during March 2018 also meant that nights remained cooler than normal. “Surface heat gets quickly dispersed into the atmosphere under cloudless conditions, leading to cool nights,” said Srivastava.
+The study found that 99.6 per cent of petrol is consumed in the transport sector alone.
-Delhi normally gets around 16mm of rainfall during March. In 2015, the city received 97.2mm of rain which was the ''' highest ever for the month. ''' Lack of rain during March this year also follows the trend of the past three months, with the entire northern region facing a massive rain and snowfall deficit for the period.
+"Of this, majority consumption of 61.42 per cent is accounted for by two-wheelers while cars use 34.33 per cent, followed by 3-wheelers at 2.34 per cent," an official statement said.
+It was also revealed that in Odisha, Bihar and Rajasthan, petrol consumption by two-wheelers exceeds 70 per cent.
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+The consumption by three-wheelers is very low in states like Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat and Odisha, where consumers have shifted to CNG or diesel.
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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-==  The hottest March days in Delhi==
+"While pricing of petrol was deregulated, diesel prices are still being regulated, with subsidy running at Rs 8.47 per litre currently," the statement said.
-===1945-2021: Highest maximum temperatures===
-[[File:  The highest maximum temperature recorded in March at Safdarjung, 1945-2021.jpg| The highest maximum temperature recorded in March at Safdarjung, 1945-2021  <br/> Graphic courtesy: [   ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-The highest maximum temperature recorded in March at Safdarjung, 1945-2021
-.6 °C at Palam 28th March 2018
-.5 °C March 31, 1945
+The total subsidy on diesel during 2012-13 was Rs 92,061 crore, constituting 57.2 per cent of the total fuel subsidy.
-.1 °C March 30, 2021
+"The question as to where the Diesel is getting consumed is very relevant in this context," it said.
-.6 °C March 29, 1973
+The statement added: "Based on sector-wise consumption pattern of diesel, it would mean that of the total under- recovery of Rs 92,061 crore on account of diesel during 2012- 13, about Rs 12,100 crore went to owners of private cars and utility vehicles, about Rs 8,200 crore to commercial cars and SUVs, about Rs 26,000 crore to trucks, about Rs 8,800 crore to buses, about Rs 12,000 crore to agriculture sector and about Rs 15,600 crore to other sectors."
-.2 degrees Celsius March ? 2019
+=Consumption of oil, natural gas=
+==2008-17==
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F04%2F06&entity=Ar02222&sk=C06852A1&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, Energy meet cements India’s pole position, April 6, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
-.2 °C March ? 2010
+[[File: The Consumption of oil and natural gas in India, 2008-17.jpg|The Consumption of oil and natural gas in India, 2008-17 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F04%2F06&entity=Ar02222&sk=C06852A1&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, Energy meet cements India’s pole position, April 6, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-.8 degrees Celsius March ?  2017
+''Summit Of 72-Member Group Starts Next Week''
-.6° Celsius [at Safdarjang] March ? 2018, the highest maximum temperature of the month,
+India is hosting the 16th ministerial round of International Energy Forum, a grouping of 72 member countries accounting for almost 90% of global supply and demand for oil and gas, in yet another proof of New Delhi’s pole position in the world energy market. The meet will kick off next week.
-.3 °C in March 2017,  the highest maximum temperature of the month
+This will be the second time in less than a month after the International Solar Alliance summit in March when policymakers and corporate leaders from around the world will congregate in India’s capital for a platform for discussing future challenges and changes in the energy sector.
-And then, some random ‘high’ temperatures
+On the surface, ISA and IEF appear contradictory. But scratch and you will find they have a lot in common. ISA is about developing a global ecosystem for promoting solar power. This is as much about supplying affordable power to improve people’s lives as it is about mitigating climate change. Similarly, IEF’s meet will also look for a balance in the oil and gas industry – ensuring affordability, stability and sustainability of supplies while moving towards a low-emission future.
-.3 degrees Celsius  2021 Mar 28, 2021
+IEF allows India an opportunity to leverage its position as world’s fastestgrowing energy market and to cement its role as moderator between producer and consumer countries.
-.2 degrees Celsius:  March 9, 2021
+= Economy: India's oil economy=
+==Imports: domestic production ratio==
+[[File: India's oil economy, Imports- domestic production ratio and sources, 2016.jpg| India's oil economy, Imports: domestic production ratio and sources, 2016 <br/> [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/How-deal-with-Russia-will-change-Indias-oil-economy/articleshow/54912368.cms  HOW DEAL WITH RUSSIA WILL CHANGE INDIA'S OIL ECONOMY Oct 18 2016 : ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-degrees Celsius: third week of March 2019
+[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/How-deal-with-Russia-will-change-Indias-oil-economy/articleshow/54912368.cms  HOW DEAL WITH RUSSIA WILL CHANGE INDIA'S OIL ECONOMY Oct 18 2016 : ''The Times of India'']
-.9 degrees Celsius: 4 March 2021
-.3 degrees Celsius: 26 March, 2020,  the highest maximum temperature of the month was as low as this
+Till the early 1990s, India used to produce over 70% of the oil it consumed. Now the share of domestic production is nearing 20%. Not only have imports surged, most of the oil is imported from only one region.The deal with Russia will make India's import basket more diversfied, a key requirement for oil security
-===1999- 2018===
+'''See graphic'''
-[[File: 1999 2018 The hottest March days in Delhi .jpg| 1999- 2018: The hottest March days in Delhi <br/> From [ '' The Times of India ''] |frame|500px]]
-See graphic, '1999- 2018: The hottest March days in Delhi'
+''India's oil economy, Imports: domestic production ratio and sources, 2016''
+==2018: ‘Oil has lower impact on economy than believed’==
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F22&entity=Ar01810&sk=FD180DEB&mode=text  May 22, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
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-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+Oil is now thought to be less of an independent driver of economic cycles than was previously believed, according to a report by SBI. The study estimates that $10 per barrel increase in oil price will increase the import bill by around $8 billion and decrease gross domestic product (GDP) by 16 basis points (1 percentage point = 100 basis points, or bps).
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+According to the report by SBI chief economic adviser Soumya Kanti Ghosh, diffusion of technology, user of alternative sources of energy and more importantly, abundance of skilled labour resulting in muted increase in real wages are keeping inflation in check. Ghosh points out that use of alternative source of energy has increased 1.4 times in the last four years in India.
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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+In FY18, the oil import bill rose by $22 billion with crude oil prices rising from $53 to $70. “The current average oil price for FY19 is $73.6 per barrel. Considering the price of oil increases to $90 by March 2019, the average oil price for FY19 will be nearly $84. The worst case scenario is where we assume oil price to hit $90 in June 2018 and reaches $100 by March 2019,” said Ghosh.
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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-==Mean temperature in March==
+He adds that such a scenario will reduce the GDP by 31 bps, increase inflation by 58 bps and the fiscal deficit by 40 bps, assuming a Rs-3 cut in excise duty.
-===Delhi/ Maximum===
-====2010-21====
-[[File:  Mean maximum temperature in March, 2010-21.jpg|  Mean maximum temperature in March, 2010-21 <br/> Graphic courtesy: [   ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-March 2021 was city’s warmest in 11 years | Jasjeev.Gandhiok@timesgroup.com
-A month after recording its second-warmest February in 120 years, the capital endured its warmest March since 2010. The mean maximum temperature was at 33.1°C — 3.5°C above normal; the figure was at 34.1°C 11 years ago, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
+==The impact of oil on India’s trade, 2017, 18==
+[[File: The impact of oil on India’s trade- 2017, 2018.jpg|The impact of oil on India’s trade: 2017, 2018 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F06%2F16&entity=Ar02501&sk=5C3A149B&mode=text  Sidhartha, Govt looks to boost dollar funding for exporters, June 16, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-Despite as many as five western disturbances and a bit of rain, its latter half saw the mercury rise sharply, crossing 41°C in many parts of the city on 29 Mar — the warmest March day since 1945.
+'''See graphic''':
-The maximum was below 30°C on just four days of the month, whereas the maximum temperature for the first half of March normally swings between 25°C and 29°C, Kuldeep Srivastava, a scientist at the IMD and head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) in the city, said.
+''The impact of oil on India’s trade: 2017, 2018''
-Spells of western disturbances brought some relief, but there wasn’t significant rainfall to bring the mercury down for a sustained period.
+=Export, import=
+==2014-18==
+[[File: The Export and import of major petrochemicals from and to India, 2014-18..jpg|The Export and import of major petrochemicals from and to India, 2014-18. <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F08%2F03&entity=Ar01107&sk=95B9DA44&mode=image  August 3, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-Delhi had earlier recorded its second warmest February in the last 120 years with a mean maximum temperature of 27.9 degrees Celsius, eclipsed only by 2006, when the mean maximum temperature was 29.7 degrees. The mean maximum was four degrees above normal in February.
+'''See graphic''':
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+'' The Export and import of major petrochemicals from and to India, 2014-18. ''
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+=Imports=
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
+==Crude oil ==
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+===2015-16===
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
+[[File: Total import of crude oil, 2015-16.jpg|Total import of crude oil, 2015-16; [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=24_05_2017_013_022_007&type=P&artUrl=Opec-hails-GST-demonetisation-moves-of-India-24052017013022&eid=31808 The Times of India], May 24, 2017|frame|500px]]
-[[Category:Pages with broken file links|MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-==West Bengal==
+'''See graphic''':
-=== 2019: coldest March since 2009===
-[https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/coldest-march-in-west-bengal-in-a-decade/article26425938.ece  March 4, 2019: ''The Hindu'']
+''Total import of crude oil, 2015-16''
-Due to high pressure over the Bay of Bengal, Kolkata experienced its first Nor’wester of the season, sharply bringing the temperature down in March. Thus, the city is experiencing its coldest days and nights in March over the last decade, according to the Kolkata meteorological centre.
+==From Iran==
+===2013-18===
+[[File: India's oil import from Iran- (in million tonnes per annum), 2013-18, year-wise.jpg|India's oil import from Iran- (in million tonnes per annum), 2013-18, year-wise <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F06%2F29&entity=Ar01701&sk=B53B0D69&mode=text Sanjay Dutta, June 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-The early half of February saw humidity in the air. This had led to record rainfall in and around Kolkata, according to weather reports.
+''' See graphic ''' :
-The city saw a record minimum temperature of 15.5 degrees Celsius. The closest to this temperature was in 2011, when the mercury plummeted to 15.7 deg C in March.
+'' India's oil import from Iran- (in million tonnes per annum), 2013-18, year-wise ''
-Siliguri saw the mercury dipping to 9.8 degrees, Purulia 11.4 and Sriniketan 11.8 respectively.
+==From Nigeria==
+''' Nigeria says India now its largest crude importer '''
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Nigeria-says-India-now-its-largest-crude-importer/articleshow/36831221.cms AFP ]| Jun 19, 2014
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-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+Oil-rich Nigeria said in June 2014 that India has replaced the United States as its largest crude importer, accounting for more than a quarter of its daily output.
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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-=Rainfall=
+"The US, which had traditionally taken the bulk of Nigeria's crude, has in recent months drastically reduced its demand, which now stands at about 250,000 barrels per day," the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said in a statement.
-==Definitions==
-The IMD classifies rainfall between 15.5m to 64.4mm in a single day as ‘moderate’ and more than 64.5mm as ‘heavy’.
+"India, however, now purchases some 30% of Nigeria's daily crude production which currently hovers around 2.5 million barrels," it said, quoting senior official Tim Okon.
-==Delhi==
-===Records for March/ 1992-2020===
+The state-run NNPC said after India, China and Malaysia were also ahead of the United States, and that Nigeria, which is Africa's largest oil producer, would supply to customers around the world.
-[[File: Months and days on which Delhi experienced its highest rainfall between 1992 and 14 March 2020..jpg|Months and days on which Delhi experienced its highest rainfall between 1992 and 14 March 2020. <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL/2020/03/15&entity=Ar00501&sk=3C7A8E7B&mode=text  March 15, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+==From OPEC==
+===2018===
+[[File: OPEC’s share in India’s imports of crude oil, LPG and LNG, presumably as in 2018.jpg|OPEC’s share in India’s imports of crude oil, LPG and LNG, presumably as in 2018 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F06%2F15&entity=Ar01015&sk=5D87228F&mode=text   Sanjay Dutta, Amid rising prices, India gives OPEC a strong message, June 15, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
 '''See graphic''':
-''Months and days on which Delhi experienced its highest rainfall between 1992 and 14 March 2020.''
+''OPEC’s share in India’s imports of crude oil, LPG and LNG, presumably as in 2018''
-was the city’s wettest March ever with 101.9mm of rainfall recorded this month [till 14 March], beating the record set in March 2015 when 97.4mm of rainfall was recorded.
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
-“The March 2020 western disturbance had been influencing north-west India since the night of March 10,” said Srivastava, adding that there had been nine rainy days in March [till 14 March].
+==2016-20==
+[[File: India’s import of petroleum products, 2016-20.jpg| India’s import of petroleum products, 2016-20. <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F06%2F11&entity=Ar01326&sk=B1D4864C&mode=image  June 11, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-During Feb to May decrease in the freezing level height is normally between 4km and 5km during this time of year but on Saturday it was between 2km to 2.5 km which resulted in hailstorm” added Srivastava. “By March 18 maximum temperature is expected to reach 30 degrees Celsius” he added.
+'''See graphic''':
-===2020 rains: crops damaged===
+'' India’s import of petroleum products, 2016-20. ''
-Unseasonal rains and hailstorms have, so far, affected rabi (winter sown) crops on 4 lakh hectares of land in north India with UP the worst-hit till Saturday. Besides UP, a few districts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan too have borne the impact
-Though the exact extent of damage is still unclear, officials in the agriculture ministry said preliminary reports from the ground suggest losses of up to 90% for vegetables, 70% for mustard and up to 60% for wheat and potatoes in certain districts in north-west India. Muzaffar nagar, Mathura, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar and Aligarh are among the 31 districts which faced heavy damage in western UP.
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+== 2018==
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+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F07%2F24&entity=Ar00108&sk=598F6C4A&mode=text  July 24, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
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+[[File: India’s 3 largest oil suppliers in 2018, till June.jpg|India’s 3 largest oil suppliers in 2018, till June <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F07%2F24&entity=Ar00108&sk=598F6C4A&mode=text  July 24, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-=1st  March=
-==Gurgaon 6°C, Delhi 6.8°C mn, coldest March in 20 years/ 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F02&entity=Ar01012&sk=97535A05&mode=text  6.8°C: Coldest March day in 20 years; wet weekend likely | The Times of India]
+Iran displaced Saudi Arabia as India’s second-largest oil supplier in the first quarter of the current fiscal, regaining a position it lost seven years ago, as state-run refiners scrambled to take advantage of Tehran’s attractive financial terms before the US sanctions covering the oil industry come into force in November.
-Cold wave conditions continued in the capital for the second day, with the minimum temperature on Friday remaining ''' six notches below normal ''' at 6.8 degrees C, making it the coldest day in March in at least 20 years for which The Times of India scanned weather records.
+Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan told Parliament that state-run refiners imported more oil from Iran in the April-June period than Saudi Arabia, which has now been relegated to third position. Iraq remains India’s top oil supplier. The development could deepen the dilemma for New Delhi as it faces the prospect of having to reduce — or completely stop — oil imports from Iran if it fails to get a waiver. But industry sources said there’s enough time to wind down Iranian oil flow and tap other sources — if the need arises — by the sanctions deadline.
-It was even colder in Gurgaon, where 6 degrees C was recorded.
+Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait could fill the gap, though there will be some incremental increase in costs as they may not offer the sweeteners on freight and insurance that Iran offers.
-In Delhi, Jafarpur and Mungeshpur recorded 6.4 degrees Celsius.
+Besides, the high degree of technical capability gives Indian refineries flexibility to process a variety of oil, precluding dependence on particular types of crude.
-North India has been experiencing more western disturbances than normal for this time of the year. “The temperatures are extremely low for this time of the season and at their lowest for at least the past 20 years,” said a senior Met official.
+''' Iran was India’s second largest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11 '''
-Delhi’s maximum, too, was recorded below normal at 24.1 degrees Celsius — ''' three notches below the normal. ''' Relative humidity oscillated between 36% and 97%, an official said.
+The diverse basket of India’s oil supplies also helps. The real challenge for India is balancing its age-old relations with Tehran and the financial/ strategic stake in the Chabahar port project, the outpost for New Delhi’s Af-Pak policy, and the imperative of avoiding confrontation with the US.
-The high moisture content in the air led to deterioration of Delhi’s air quality into the ‘poor’ category again, according to Central Pollution Control Board readings.
+Iran was India’s secondlargest oil supplier after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11. But it dropped to seventh position after India gradually reduced import of Iranian oil to meet conditions of waiver granted by the US administration under President Barack Obama when it had imposed sanctions to curb Tehran’s nuclear prog ramme.
-=2nd  March=
+Imports were gradually ramped up after the sanctions were lifted following the July 2015 deal on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with Iran. State refiners, however, cut imports in 2017-18 by a quarter in retaliation of Tehran delaying the contract for Farzad-B gas field discovered by a consortium of Indian companies. But once again India’s oil trade with Iran may find itself back to square one. Unlike the sanctions by Obama’s presidency, Trump’s Washington so far appears totally unforgiving. The big two private refiners – Reliance Industries and Nayara led by Russia’s Rosneft – have stopped Iranian imports.
-==Delhi, 19°C, lowest mx in March/ 2015==
-the maximum had fallen to 19°C on March 2.
-==Delhi, 56.8mm rainfall, a record: 2015==
+And the oil ministry has told the state refiners to look up alternative supplies in case India does not get a waiver.
-The highest spell of rain in a single day in March ''' since 1992 ''' It was on March 2, 2015 that Delhi had recorded 56.8mm rain in a day —.
-March 2, 2015: it had rained 56.8 mm in the national capital.
+==2016-20==
+[[File: India's share of oil imports from key suppliers, 2000-20, year-wise.jpg.jpg|India's share of oil imports from key suppliers, 2000-20, year-wise.jpg <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/power-play-india-wields-oil-weapon-to-cut-dependence-on-saudi/articleshow/81869925.cms  April 2, 2021: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+[[File: Import of oil in India- 2016-19 average share per supplier; 2019-20 share by per supplier.jpg|Import of oil in India- 2016-19 average share per supplier; 2019-20 share by per supplier <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/power-play-india-wields-oil-weapon-to-cut-dependence-on-saudi/articleshow/81869925.cms  April 2, 2021: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-==Delhi, 19.3°C mx/ 2019==
+'''See graphics''':
-Rain, hailstorm likely to make it a wet Sunday
-TIMES NEWS NETWORK
+'' India's share of oil imports from key suppliers, 2000-20, year-wise.jpg ''
-An overcast sky and light showers made the day temperature plummet to 19.3°C, ''' eight notches below the normal ''' for this time of the season.
+'' Import of oil in India- 2016-19 average share per supplier; 2019-20 share by per supplier ''
-It was also the lowest maximum temperature recorded in March since 2015
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
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-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
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+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
-= 3rd March=
+=Kerosene=
-==Delhi, 22.7°C mx, 11.5°C mn, 9.6mm rain/ 2019==
+==2011-12: Use of kerosene in Indian households==
-Chill remains, rain cleans up city air
+[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Kerosene-hardly-used-for-cooking-key-lighting-source-03082015012030 ''The Times of India''], Aug 03 2015
-TIMES NEWS NETWORK
+[[File: State and percentage of households using kerosene, rural and urban.jpg|State and percentage of households using kerosene, rural and urban; Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Kerosene-hardly-used-for-cooking-key-lighting-source-03082015012030 ''The Times of India''], Aug 03 2015|frame|500px]]
+Mahendra Singh
-The maximum temperature on Sunday reached 22.7° Celsius, ''' four notches below ''' the normal, while the minimum temperature was recorded at 11.5, ''' two degree Celsius below ''' the normal.
+''' `Kerosene hardly used for cooking, key lighting source' '''
-The city received light showers till 8.30am on Sunday with 9.6mm rain being recorded. Till 5.30pm since then, 0.2mm rain was recorded.
+The latest survey released by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) has revealed that in rural areas, subsidized kerosene was used in less than 1% of kitchens, which relied largely on firewood and chips as the primary source of energy for cooking during 2011-12. After firewood (67% share), cooking gas cylinders have emerged as the second most preferred kitchen fuel in rural areas, with a share of 15%. In urban areas, of course, they now fire over 68% of the stoves, while the share of kerosene is estimated at 5.7%, lower than firewood (14%).
-=4th March=
+But when it comes to lighting homes in villages, the share of kerosene is estimated at 26.5%, with electricity's share estimated at 72.7%. In urban India, 3.2% of households uses kerosene for lighting while the share of electricity is 96%.
-==Delhi, fog (50m RVR) diverts, delays flights, trains/ 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F05&entity=Ar00906&sk=75EF37B7&mode=text     11 flights diverted as fog in March stumps travellers  | ''The Times of India'']
-Owing to low visibility, several flyers were stranded at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Monday, as flights were delayed and many diverted to nearby airports due to fog. Rail operations too were hit, with trains running 1-2 hours late in the early hours. Officials at the airport said that the low visibility procedures were implemented at 5.28am and is still on.
+The data points to what several economists have argued for years: there is reduced dependence on kerosene despite the government doling out subsidized fuel, which is suspected to be used in large quantities for adulteration or finds its way into the open market, where there is no subsidy .
-According to officials, 10 domestic airlines and one international flight had to be diverted and over 100 flights were delayed by many hours.  .
+Currently , the government pays Rs 18.51 as subsidy for every litre of kerosene sold through the public distribution system. The underrecovery on the sale of kitchen fuel by the oil marketing companies added up to Rs 24,800 crore during the last financial year, with the government taking over around Rs 5,000 crore of the burden and forcing the state-run companies to bear the additional burden.
+But the findings of the NSSO survey showed wide divergence in fuel used across states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh still relying on dung cake and firewood to a large extent. The use of firewood and chips for cooking has declined, but slowly , over the years in rural India. It declined from 78.2% of all rural households in 1993-94 to 67.3% in 2011-12. LPG use in rural households has grown relatively fast, from fewer than 2% of rural households two decades ago to 15% in 2011-12.
+Cow-dung cake remained one of the major fuels for cooking for rural households in Ut tar Pradesh (33.4%) followed by Punjab (30.3%), Haryana (24%) and Bihar (20.8%).
-Ten flights were diverted from Delhi airport in the morning due to fog, an airport official said. “These flights were diverted between 7.45am and 9.45am,” the official said. A minimum runway visual range (RVR) of 50metre is required for a flight to land safely, however, it needs to be CAT III-B compliant. The minimum RVR for take-off is 125m.
+Tamil Nadu had the highest use of LPG among rural households, with over a third using it for cooking, followed by Kerala and Punjab. The use of LPG was least in Chhattisgarh (1.5%) followed by Jharkhand (2.9%) and Odisha (3.9%).
-Railway officials, meanwhile, said trains were slowed down due to low visibility.
+When it comes to lighting, 73.5% of rural households in Bihar still use kerosene as primary source of energy for lighting, followed by Uttar Pradesh (58.5%) and Assam (36.8%).
-= 5th March=
+Bihar also tops the chart when it comes to use of kerosene for lighting in urban areas with 17.2% of households still depending on kerosene.Followed by Bihar were Uttar Pradesh (10.8%), Assam (7.9%), Gujarat (5.2%) and West Bengal (5%).
-==Delhi, 22.8mx, 12°C mn, fog delays 100 flights, some trains/ 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F06&entity=Ar00915&sk=0A7D0BF5&mode=text   Fog is here to stay, 100 flights delayed; Air quality improves a little, in moderate zone | ''The Times of India'']
-The maximum and minimum temperatures on Tuesday were 22.8 degrees Celsius, ''' four notches below normal, ''' and 12 degrees Celsius, ''' one point below normal, ''' respectively.
+The use of electricity was the highest in rural Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where nearly all rural households used electricity to light their homes. In contrast, just 25.8% of rural Bihar and 40.4% of rural Uttar Pradesh households had electricity .
-The fog in Delhi is going to stay for some time. On Tuesday again, more than 100 flights were delayed and five were diverted to nearby locations. Operation of trains was affected as well.
+==The problem with the kerosene subsidy==
-An airport official said that “there has been low visibility due to fog since 6.31am on Tuesday. Five flights have been diverted till 8.20am.”
+[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=SWAMINOMICS-Time-to-end-the-worst-subsidy-of-06082017022012  Swaminathan S Aanlesaria Aiyar , SWAMINOMICS - Time to end the worst subsidy of all: kerosene , August 6, 2017: The Times of India]
-= 6th March=
+Of India's many subsidies, the kerosene subsidy is the worst. Yet it has been such a sacred cow that no government has dared tackle it for decades. Different states levy different taxes, but in most cities subsidised kerosene retails at around Rs 23litre (it is just Rs 13.50 in Chennai, because of the state's additional subsidy). The open-market price of kerosene (used for commercial purposes) is far higher, around Rs 57litre.
-==Delhi, 4.4°C mn/ 1945==
-The city’s all-time low (for March) is 4.4 degrees Celsius on March 6, 1945.
-==Delhi, 20.4 mm rain, 22.4°C/ 14°C: 2020 ==
+The government has announced that the price of subsidised kerosene will be raised by 25 paise per fortnight until the subsidy goes. At this speed, the losses suffered by refiners could end in a little over a year.However, the retail price (including taxes) needs to be raised to equal the diesel price. That alone will end the adulteration of diesel with kerosene.
-City sees highest 24-hour rainfall for March in 5 yrs
-Western Disturbance To Blame; Another Spell On March 10
+Studies show that up to 40% of subsidised kerosene is diverted from poor beneficiaries to the adulteration of diesel, which is more than twice as costly. Adulterated diesel produces massive pollution, much more than ordinary diesel, and the additional truck fumes sicken and kill poor people living on roadsides. The extra pollution hits cities where shopkeepers and industries use diesel gensets to overcome power shortages. Villages using diesel for tractors and pumps also suffer. Subsidising kerosene means subsidising disease and death for millions through pollution.
-TIMES NEWS NETWORK
+Besides, kerosene-adulterated diesel damages the engines it is used in. Trucks, gensets, tractors and diesel pumps wear out much faster than they should. The subsidy kills machines as well as humans. The major beneficiaries are crooked adulterators. That's why it is the worst subsidy.
-New Delhi:
+Many left-wing critics have said on TV that the poor will not survive if kerosene becomes costly. Really?
-Delhi on 6 Mar 2020  recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall in the month of March since 2015. India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that the Safdarjung observatory, which provided representative figures for Delhi, recorded 20.4 mm rainfall till 8.30am.
+In 2014, Delhi was declared kerosene-free -all sales, subsidised or not, were banned -with consumers having to shift to cooking gas. Chandigarh became kerosenefree in 2016. Did the poor in these cities cease to live?
-The weather station at south Delhi’s Palam logged 15.3mm rainfall, Lodhi Road 20.6mm, Ayanagar 19.1mm and the Ridge station 18.6mm.
+Did they flee to areas where cheap kerosene was available? Not at all. Indeed, thousands kept migrating from kerosene-available to kerosene-free areas. Haryana has just become kerosene-free last April. All such areas have reduced pollution and hit adulterators, without causing mass distress.
-Meanwhile, the rain that lashed the national capital overnight and also on 6 Mar afternoon brought the mercury down. Till 5.30pm, Safdarjung recorded 16.8mm rainfall, Palam 22.3mm, Lodhi Road 17.8mm, Ridge 24.8mm and Ayanagar recorded 17.2mm rain.
+What matters for the poor is not the price of this or that item but overall inflation. But consumer price inflation is now down to 1.54%, the lowest for decades. The gradual upward price drift of kerosene will impact the index only marginally. There will never be a better time to decontrol the price. The needy can be given a free solar lamp for lighting, or a direct cash transfer.
-On Friday, the capital recorded a minimum temperature of 14 degrees Celsius, one notch above normal. The maximum temperature was 22.4 degree Celsius, six notches below the normal.
+Subsidies are palliatives. Only rapid economic growth accompanied by rising wages can cure poverty.Subsidies are nevertheless warranted for the needy . But, as Swaminomics has argued for decades, the right approach is to give cash to the needy, instead of subsidising goods that may well be used by the rich or crooks.The subsidy on urea, for instance, goes mainly to richer farmers with large holdings, while some is smuggled into Bangladesh. Ultra-cheap urea discourages the use of green manure which is environment friendly. It also means farmers use an excess of urea and not enough potassic or phosphatic fertilisers (which are not subsidised), and this ruins soil quality. Just as subsidising kerosene benefits the wrong people and activities, so too does subsidising urea, or rural power, or almost anything else.
-“There was moderate rainfall both overnight as well as in the afternoon. It was also a windy day with an average wind speed of 30-35 km per hour and gusty spells up to 50km per hour. Another western disturbance is also coming on March 10 and drizzle is expected in the night. On March 11 and 12, light rain is expected,” a Met official said.
+Narendra Modi can no longer be called just an incremental reformer. True, he has moved in baby steps in many areas. But cumulatively they are adding up to a substantial change. When the price of oil was at its height, explicit and implicit subsidies on petroleum products were 2% of GDP. The UPA government devised the strategy of raising the price of petrol in baby steps.The Modi government has extended this to all petroleum products, and buttressed the change with direct cash transfers to the needy. Soon oil subsidies may be down to zero, freeing lakhs of crores to be spent on improving infrastructure, health and skills.
-The strong winds and overnight rain also helped the pollution levels in the city stay in the satisfactory level as the 24-hour average air quality index (AQI) clocked 64, a marginal improvement from 5 March’s 79, as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)’s 4pm bulletin.
-=== Rabi crops severely hit===
+The risk is that new subsidies will take the place of the old. The farm loan waiver that started in UP has spread to other states, and looks certain to be announced in all states going to the polls in the next 18 months. UP, Rajasthan and other states are starting subsidised canteens along the lines of Tamil Nadu's “Amma Canteens“. Ending the kerosene subsidy is a step forward, but the battle for sensible government spending is nowhere near won.
-Unseasonal rains severely hit rabi crops
-TIMES NEWS NETWORK
+=LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)=
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
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+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Pages with broken file links|PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+==Price==
+===2016> 21===
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2021%2F03%2F10&entity=Ar01406&sk=C97D07FF&mode=text  March 10, 2021: ''The Times of India'']
+LPG price has doubled in 7 yrs, and the subsidies are gone too
 New Delhi:
-Unseasonal rains and hailstorms on Friday damaged standing rabi crops (mainly mustard and wheat) in many districts of Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and UP. Reports suggested that many farmerssuffered over 50% damage to their standing crops as heavy rains and hailstorm covered vast stretches from Jodhpur to Jammu and from Sikar to Varanasi.
+The price of a household cooking gas, or LPG, refill has doubled in the last seven years and subsidy has been erased by raising rates in small doses over the years.
-“The rains, specifically hailstorm, caused extensive damage of wheat, mustard, gram, vegetable. The initial estimate of damage is 40% in wheat, 55% in mustard and 50% in vegetable. The worst-affected districts are Rohtak, Sikar, Aligarh, Agra, Shamli and Lucknow,” said Lucknowbased farm expert Sudhir Panwar.
+Simultaneously, the government’s tax collection from petrol and diesel sales has risen four and a half times as a result of increased taxes during this period, according to oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s written replies in the Lok Sabha.
+According to replies to a bunch of questions on rising fuel prices on Monday, an LPG refill cost Rs 410.5 cylinder on March 1, 2014 and has risen to Rs 819 this month. The prices are for Delhi, the reference market, and vary in accordance with state taxes elsewhere.
+LPG refill price jumped Rs 125 per cylinder in the last 32 days alone as a result of four increases since February 4, stretching budgets of poor households. On the previously unheard levels of fuel prices, Pradhan said petrol and diesel had been decontrolled from June 26, 2010 and October 19, 2014, respectively, and retailers set prices in line with “international product prices, rupee exchange rate, tax structure, inland freight and other cost elements”.
+With taxes accounting for the bulk of the retail prices, revenue collection from fuel sales stood at Rs 52,537 crore in 2013, which rose to Rs 2.1 lakh crore in 2019-20 and Rs 2.9 lakh crore in the 11 months of 2020-21.
-==Mumbai, 33.7°C mx, 21.6°C mn,  2018 ==
+Petrol carries an excise duty of Rs 32.9 per litre and diesel Rs 31.8 a litre. Excise on petrol was Rs 17.98 a litre in 2018 and Rs 13.83 on diesel.
-With easterly winds continuing to bring in warm air and the sea breeze setting in late, maximum temperatures remained above normal on Tuesday. Weathermen said temperatures will rise further on Wednesday.
-On Tuesday, the IMD Santacruz observatory saw a maximum temperature of 33.7 degrees Celsius, 0.9 degrees above normal, and a minimum of 21.6 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees above normal, which the IMD Colaba observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4 degrees Celsius, 0.2 degrees above normal, and a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius, 2.4 degrees above normal. Humidity at Colaba and Santacruz was 66% and 35%. TNN
+Pradhan said that the central government’s total excise collection from petrol, diesel, jet fuel, natural gas and crude oil has increased from Rs 2.4 lakh crore in 2016-17 to Rs 3 lakh crore during April-January 2020-21.
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
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+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
-= 7th March=
+= Oil storage, trading hub in India=
-==2021/ Delhi==
+==2018: Abu Dhabi oil in Mangaluru’s underground storage facility==
-.7 degrees Celsius at Najafgarh,
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F22&entity=Ar01011&sk=22F9FCB1&mode=text  1st oil ship from UAE docks at Mangaluru, May 22, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
-.6 degrees Celsius at Jafarpur
-.4 degrees Celsius at Ayanagar and Pitampura.
+The first shipload of crude sent by ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) for storing in the Mangaluru underground storage facility arrived on Monday, marking India’s first step towards becoming a regional oil storage and trading hub.
-degrees Celsius: at Safdarjung;
+Vessel ‘MT Inspiration’ carrying two million barrels of crude docked at the Mangaluru port after sailing for a week, the oil ministry said. ADNOC had in February signed a deal with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd to lease storage capacity for six million barrels of crude at the Mangaluru facility.
-The minimum temperature at Safdarjung was 14.4 degrees Celsius.
+This is the first investment from the UAE into an Indian oil project and marks a turning point in Delhi’s buyerseller ties with West Asian oil producers. India wants to reshape its traditional ties with West Asian oil producers into strategic partnership by investing oil projects. The storage puts on tap oil stock for India, enhancing energy security in times of emergency.
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+=Oil spills=
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
+==Steps to control impact of oil spills==
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+===2019: Chitosan/ switching into extremely water-repelling to extremely oil-repelling and vice-versa===
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
+[https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/a-gel-to-selectively-remove-oil-or-water/article26556540.ece  R. Prasad, A gel to selectively remove oil or water, March 17, 2019: ''The Hindu'']
-[[Category:Pages with broken file links|MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-= 8th March=
-= 9th March=
-= 10th March=
-= 11th March=
-==Delhi, 28.4°C mx, 12.4°C mn, 0.6mm rain, 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F12&entity=Ar00612&sk=57FB2F69&mode=text   Rain over 2 days may bring down temperature The Times of India]
+[[File: The chitosan — which is converted into a stable gel — allows the researchers to selectively remove the oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture by making the material either superhydrophobic or superoleophobic, respectively..jpg|The chitosan — which is converted into a stable gel — allows the researchers to selectively remove the oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture by making the material either superhydrophobic or superoleophobic, respectively. <br/> From: [https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/a-gel-to-selectively-remove-oil-or-water/article26556540.ece  R. Prasad, A gel to selectively remove oil or water, March 17, 2019: ''The Hindu'']|frame|500px]]
-Strong showers lashed parts of the capital in th  evening, bringing down mercury by several notches as air quality remained in the “moderate” category on CPCB’s index.
+A natural biopolymer, chitosan (a kind of polysaccharide obtained from a chitin shell such as the shrimp’s), which is water-soluble, has been chemically modified by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati to selectively remove either an oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture. This becomes possible by making the chitosan-based material, also biodegradeable, to exhibit either an extremely water-repelling property in air (like the lotus leaf) or an extremely oil-repelling property under water (like a fish scale).
-According to officials from the regional met department, parts of northern India saw light rain due to an active western disturbance,
-Delhi recorded a maximum of 28.4 degrees Celsius on Monday — one degree below normal. The minimum was recorded at 12.4 degrees Celsius — ''' two notches below normal ''' for this time of the season. Till 8.30pm on Monday, Safdarjung station had recorded 0.6mm of rainfall, while Palam had received 0.3mm of rain in the same period.
-= 12th March=
+In a breakthrough, the researchers have also made it possible to switch the chitosan-based material’s property — from being extremely water-repelling to extremely oil-repelling and vice-versa — by treating it with certain chemicals. It is also possible to repeatedly switch from one property to another.
-= 13th March=
-= 14th March=
-==Delhi, 24.6°C/ 11.8°C;  0.8mm rainfall; humidity 54>98%/ 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F15&entity=Ar00510&sk=5824491D&mode=text    Temp drops after rain; air poor |TIMES NEWS NETWORK| The Times of India]
-Light showers on Thursday evening led to a drop in both the maximum and minimum temperature.
+'''Fabrication'''
-Delhi’s maximum temperature was recorded at 24.6 degrees Celsius — ''' five notches below normal ''' for this time of the season. The minimum, too, remained below normal and was recorded at 11.8 degrees Celsius. According to officials from the regional Met department, the capital recorded 0.8mm of rainfall between 8.30am to 5.30pm with the humidity levels oscillating between 54 and 98 percent in the last 24 hours.
-“Palam, Lodhi Road, Ridge and Ayanagar stations all recorded very light rain during the day. Temperatures have dropped due to the showers.,” the official added.
-==Delhi, 37mm of rainfall, 24.7°C mx/ 2020 ==
+To prepare the water or oil repelling chitosan, a team led by Dr. Uttam Manna from the institute’s Department of Chemistry and Centre for Nanotechnology first converted the material into nanoparticles and then to a stable gel material by treating it with a chemical (5Acl). This gel was found to have chemically active residues (amines and acrylate), which when treated with a small amine resulted in optimisation of the two very different properties in the same material.
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F03%2F15&entity=Ar00501&sk=3C7A8E7B&mode=text   March 15, 2020: ''The Times of India'']
-Weekend rain & hail make it city’s wettest March ever
-nd Highest Spell In One Day Of March In 28 Yrs
+Says Nirban Jana from the institute’s Department of Chemistry and first author of a paper published in the journal Chemistry of Materials, “This is the first time that the liquid repellency property of the material is made switchable, from superhydrophobic to superoleophobic under water and back to superhydrophobic by treating the material at low pH and ethanol, respectively.”
-TIMES NEWS NETWORK
+The chitosan — which is converted into a stable gel — allows the researchers to selectively remove the oil or water phase from an oil-water mixture by making the material either superhydrophobic or superoleophobic, respectively. For example, if the oil spill (in water) is less, the material can be made water-repelling to remove or collect the oil. In case the spill is huge and the water phase relatively less, the material can be made extremely oil-repelling to collect or remove water.
-New Delhi:
-Delhi was battered by rain and a hailstorm on 14th  afternoon which left major roads waterlogged and slowed down traffic. The showers stretched across the city for over two hours, but lasted barely halfan-hour at one place. Such was the intensity that 37mm of rainfall of rain was recorded at the Safdarjung weather station in barely an hour, the second highest spell of rain in a single day in March since 1992. It was on March 2, 2015 that Delhi had recorded more rain in a day — 56.8mm.
+'''Property switch'''
-Delhi’s maximum temperature was 24.7 degrees celsius on Saturday, five degrees below normal.
+By treating the material with acid (pH 1) for about 15 minutes, the team (led by Dr. Uttam Manna from the institute’s Department of Chemistry) was able to completely switch the property of the material — from being extremely water-repelling to becoming extremely oil-repelling under water.
-According to the IMD, most parts of Delhi, besides Noida and Greater Noida, experienced a spell of hail.
+Similarly, by treating the biopolymer with ethanol for 10 minutes followed by air drying, the team was able to switch the property from being oil-repelling to becoming water-repelling.
-Srivastava said the hailstorm was caused due a reduction in the height of the freezing layer of the atmosphere, which with vertical wind shear led to easy formation of hail. “The freezing layer, where temperature is 0 degrees Celsius, is generally at a height of 4-5 km during this time of the year. It, however, fell to around 2-2.5km during this spell of western disturbance spell. The closer it is to the ground, more the chances of hail reaching the surface. Strong vertical and horizontal winds only aided the process,” said Srivastava.
+Says Dr. Manna, “The water contact angle of the superhydrophobic biopolymer is over 152º and the oil contact angle under water is nearly 159º.” The higher the contact angle the greater is the liquid repellency of the material.
-While Delhi’s base observatory, Safdarjung, received 37mm of rainfall between 8.30 pm and 5.30 pm, Lodhi Road recorded even more during this period — 47.6mm. The Ridge and Ayanagar stations received 19.6mm and 3.2mm of rainfall, respectively. Palam, meanwhile, received just 0.4mm of rainfall with airport officials saying there was little to no impact of the rain on flight operations.
-Meanwhile, the twin cities of Noida and Ghaziabad too received rainfall accompanied by hailstorm at number of places on 14th  afternoon. According of IMD official the area received highest rainfall in March, which is a record with Safdarjung recording 101.9 mm rainfall. Western Disturbance created cyclonic circulation in the NCR resulting in rainfall.
+'''Superior performance'''
-Hailstorm hit number of places in Noida and Greater Noida and at scatter places in Ghaziabad bringing temperature down. “
+The researchers tested the ability of the biopolymer to separate oils — kerosene, motor oil, olive oil and even crude oil — of different densities from water. Says Dr. Manna, “Under water, we were able to completely remove even crude oil from the water phase. The selective separation efficiency for both oil and water phases was above 95% immaterial of the viscosity of the oil.”
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+The biopolymer’s superhydrophobic property remained intact under diverse chemical conditions such as extreme pH (pH 1 and pH 13), sea and river water for seven days, and high (100º C) and low (10º C) temperatures.
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-= 15th March=
+The material was found to retain both hydrophobicity and oleophobicity even when the top surface of the biopolymeric material was physically abraded using sand paper. Despite the abraded surface being cleaved through manual peeling using an adhesive, the liquid repellence property remained intact. No change in this was seen after the mechanically damaged material was subjected to even a continuous stream of sand grains. Exposure to UV light for a month too did not destroy this repellence property.
-==Delhi: 25.8°C/ 10.4°C; humidity 49%> 93%; 0.9mm rain/ 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F16&entity=Ad00702&sk=90D5F62A&mode=image   Showers clear air, Met says it may get very warm by Holi|TIMES NEWS NETWORK | ''The Times of India'']
+= Output=
+==2015-19==
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F08%2F03&entity=Ar01107&sk=95B9DA44&mode=image  August 3, 2020: ''The Times of India'']
-Light showers were recorded on Thursday. Delhi recorded 0.9mm of rain until 8.30am as both minimum and maximum temperatures fell.
+[[File: Output of major petrochemicals in India, 2015-19.jpg|Output of major petrochemicals in India, 2015-19 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F08%2F03&entity=Ar01107&sk=95B9DA44&mode=image  August 3, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-Delhi’s minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 10.4 degrees Celsius — ''' five notches below normal,'''  while the maximum temperature was recorded at 25.8 degrees Celsius — ''' three degrees below normal. ''' The humidity levels, meanwhile, oscillated between 49% and 93%.
-= 16th March=
+'''See graphic''':
-==Delhi, 26.4°C/ 12.5°C; humidity 44>95%/ 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F17&entity=Ar00815&sk=D4F1CC42&mode=text      Mercury up, to clock 30°C by Holi   | ''The Times of India'']
+'' Output of major petrochemicals in India, 2015-19 ''
-Warm weather may well and truly be here Delhi recorded a maximum of 26.4 degrees Celsius on Saturday — ''' three notches below normal ''' for this time of the season.
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|P
-Delhi recorded a minimum of 12.5 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while the humidity levels oscillated from 44 to 95%.
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|P
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABET
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
-= 17th March=
+= Petrol pumps=
-= 18th March=
+==2017: number of pumps, increase in 6 years==
-==Kerala (Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Malappuram): First ever sunburn outbreak in March/ 2019==
+[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/more-than-60000-petrol-pumps-in-india-45-jump-in-6-years/articleshow/61848964.cms  November 29, 2017: ''The Times of India'']
-[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/sunburn-cases-reported-across-kerala-as-temperatures-rise/articleshow/68462961.cms    Samayam Malayalam | Sunburn cases reported across Kerala as temperatures rise - Times of India]
-As the mercury kept rising, at least 58 people suffered sunburns across various districts in the state.
+India has recorded 45 per cent jump in the number of petrol pumps in the last six years, possibly the highest growth rate in the world, as public and private sector firms jostled to capture retailing sites.
-Most cases were reported from Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts.
-This is the ''' first time ''' such high number of sunstroke cases have been reported from the state in the ''' month of March. '''
+With 60,799 outlets dispensing petrol and diesel at the end of October, India is behind only US and China in number of petrol pumps, data available from Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell of the Oil Ministry.
-people have reportedly been hospitalised in Pathanamthitta district in the last few weeks while 17 are having treatment in Kozhikode while Malappuram has recorded 13 such cases.
+In 2011, the country had 41,947 outlets, of which 2,983 or 7.1 per cent, were owned or operated by private retailers like Reliance Industries and Essar oil.
-Health department has warned people not to engage in physical labour between 11 am and 3 pm.
+Private firms own 5,474, or 9 per cent of the total outlets, with Essar being the leader with 3,980 stations.
+US and China have around one lakh petrol stations each.
-= 19th March=
+Several countries around the globe have seen the number of petrol pumps drop as they moved towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) and alternate forms of energy but they have grown in India, which is the world's fastest growing oil consumer.
-== Delhi/ 31.8 C mx, 12.8°C mn/ 2019==
-Safdarjung, the city’s main weather station, recorded a high of 31.8 degrees C on Tuesday, one notch above normal. This was the first time since February 21 that the temperature crossed the normal for the day — underscoring just how mild the month of March has been in the capital so far. “The rise in day temperatures is in association with an approaching western disturbance,” said B P Yadav, head of IMD’s Regional Meteorological Centre in the capital. The minimum on Tuesday was 12.8 degrees C, a good ''' four notches below normal. '''
-= 20th March=
+India had in 2015 overtaken Japan as the world's third- largest oil consuming country behind US and China. Fuel consumption grew by 9.5 per cent in the April-October period of the current fiscal.
-==Delhi, light rain: 2018==
-New Delhi: The capital saw light rain on 20 March night, which saw the mercury levels drop by a couple of degrees. Delhi’s,
-==Delhi, 34.1°C, 2019==
-The season’s highest temperature so far: 34.1 degrees Celsius,
-= 21st March=
+Oil ministry data showed that 18,852 outlets were added between 2011 and 2017. Of the 60,799 petrol pumps in the country, 55,325 are owned by state-owned fuel retailers.
-==Delhi, 33.2°C mx, humidity 27 >72 %, 2018==
+India Oil Corp (IOC) owns and operates 26,489 petrol stations, of which 7,232 are rural outlets. Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) is the second biggest fuel retailer with 14,675 outlets, 3,159 being rural sites.
-: Delhi maximum temperature   was around 33.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday
+Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) owns 14,161 outlets, of which 2,548 are rural outlets.
-The Safdarjung observatory recorded “traces” of rain overnight (20/ 21 March), while similar activity was observed across parts of south Delhi.
-The city’s humidity, meanwhile, oscillated between 27 and 72 percent on Wednesday.
-= 22nd March=
+In the private sector, Reliance Industries owns 1,400 outlets while Royal Dutch Shell has 90 stations.
-==Delhi, 39.2°C, abnormally hot, 2010==
+Besides, there are 1,273 outlets dispensing CNG to automobiles, the most number of 423 being in Delhi, the data showed.
-, the maximum touched 39.2 degrees Celsius on March 22.
-= 23rd March=
+Industry officials said public sector oil companies will continue to add at least 2,000 petrol pumps per annum over the next few years.
-= 24th March=
+In the private sector, Essar, which was recently taken over by Russia's Rosneft, had been the most aggressive. It had 1,382 outlets in 2011 and now has 3,980, which it plans to take up to 5,600 by March 2019.
-==Kerala, high temperatures 40.2°C , sunstroke, water shortage/ 2019==
-[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/mercury-soars-imd-issues-temp-alert-for-2-more-days/articleshow/68553325.cms    Kerala: Mercury soars, IMD issues temperature alert for 2 more days | Mar 25, 2019 Times of India]
+Reliance Industries is going slow on the fuel retailing business and hasn't added any new site recently. It has concentrated on reopening the pumps that were shut because it could not compete with subsidised price of fuel at PSU outlets.
-The maximum temperature was the highest in Palakkad (40.2 degrees Celsius) and Punalur (38) on Sunday. The temperature was relatively high across the state on the day, with three suspected sunstroke cases reported. There is also a steady rise in the number of sunburn cases reported.
+With deregulation of petrol in June 2010 and diesel in 2014, private players have once again become active on fuel retailing expansion.
-“Wind pattern and pressure are factors determining the temperature. Rain could have reduced the temperature,” an official said. Two men sustained sunburns in separate incidents in Alappuzha on Sunday.
+=Prices=
-===KWA seeks police protection for reservoirs===
+== How petroleum is priced in India==
-Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has sought police protection for seven check dams fearing theft of water and unauthorized fishing in Palakkad. The structures are seven comprehensive drinking water sources of more than two lakh people in Chittur, Palakkad and Alathur taluks.
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
-In a letter to district collector, KWA executive engineer R Jayachandran requested for regular police posts at Kunnamkattupathy regulatorcum-reservoir, Aryampallam, Thottupalam, Anajam Mayil, Kannadi, Thirunellai and Njavalinkadavu check dams in view of precarious water situation. A section of farmers was pumping stored water to irrigate coconuts plantations, it said. “There were incidents of anti-social elements releasing water from reservoirs for facilitating fishing activities using chemicals,” read the letter.
+[[File: Petroleum prices in India, 2011-18.jpg|Petroleum prices in India, 2011-18 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-==Delhi, 33°C/ 18.6°C, rain. winds/ 2020 ==
+[[File: India vis-à-vis other big economies, oil consumption and prices.jpg|India vis-à-vis other big economies, oil consumption and prices <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/rain-surprises-city-more-likely-over-next-few-days/articleshow/74801228.cms  Rain surprises city, more likely over next few days, Mach 25, 2020: ''The Times of India'']
+[[File: What is tax on petrol and diesel, India, January 2018.jpg|What is tax on petrol and diesel, India, January 2018 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-New Delhi:
+[[File: Contribution of petroleum sector to centre and state, 2013-17, year-wise.jpg|Contribution of petroleum sector to centre and state, 2013-17, year-wise <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-Gusty winds ranging from 30-40 km per hour, accompanied by a spell of light rain struck the capital on Tuesday evening, bringing down the mercury by several notches. Till 5.30pm, while Safdarjung recorded 0.6mm rain, Palam saw 2.1mm, Lodhi Road 1mm and Ayanagar 1.4mm.
+[[File: India's import dependency for crude oil and domestic consumption, 2013-14, year-wise.jpg|India's import dependency for crude oil and domestic consumption, 2013-14, year-wise <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-Met officials said a western disturbance is influencing parts of north-west India,. The maximum temperature on Tuesday was 33 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, while the minimum was 18.6 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal.
+[[File: India vis-à-vis other big economies, petrol prices, GDP per capita and prive of litre of petrol as % of daily per capita GDP.jpg|India vis-à-vis other big economies, petrol prices, GDP per capita and prive of litre of petrol as % of daily per capita GDP <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F01%2F29&entity=Ar01013&sk=03583A15&mode=text  Why level of petroleum tax is open to debate, January 29, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-= 25th March=
+'''See graphics''':
-==Delhi, mx under 30°C, mn 17.6°C, humidity 35> 79%, 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F26&entity=Ar00815&sk=B3D67827&mode=text    Temperature may touch 36°C by Friday  | ''The Times of India'']
-A brief drop in mercury with the maximum temperature touching 30 degrees Celsius on MondayThe capital saw strong surface winds with isolated parts recording light rain during the day, as maximum temperature settled at 30.4 degrees Celsius.
+. ''Petroleum prices in India, 2011-18''
-Parts of Delhi saw a trace of rainfall
-Delhi’s minimum temperature, meanwhile, was recorded at 17.6 degrees Celsius — one degree ''' above normal ''' for this time of the season, with relative humidity oscillating between 35% and 79%. Officials said the city had an increase in moisture content, strong surface winds kept the air quality in the ‘moderate’ category.
-= 26th March=
+. ''India vis-à-vis other big economies, oil consumption and prices''
-= 27th March=
-= 28th March=
-==Delhi, 40.6°C, hottest March day in 8 years/ 2018==
-: 40.6°C on hottest March day in 8 yrs
-Relief Of 2-3 Days Likely But Temperatures Set To Rise Thereafter: Met Dept
+. ''What is tax on petrol and diesel, India, January 2018''
+. ''Contribution of petroleum sector to centre and state, 2013-17, year-wise''
+. ''India's import dependency for crude oil and domestic consumption, 2013-14, year-wise''
+. ''India vis-à-vis other big economies, petrol prices, GDP per capita and prive of litre of petrol as % of daily per capita GDP''
+India’s daily consumption of crude oil is 4.5 million barrels (1 barrel about 159 litres), the third highest globally. Only the US and China consume more than us. We however have way smaller domestic oil reserves and are dependent on imports for about 80% of our total oil consumption.
+''How is petroleum priced in India?''
+The government gotinvolved in regulating oil prices from 1948, and decided that international prices alone could not be the determinant as indigenous production and refining capacity was increasing. From the70s to the early 2000s, the oil prices committee recommended an administered pricing mechanism based on domestic cost of production. In 2010, petrol prices were deregulated, while diesel was freed up in 2014.
+''How do global crude prices reflect in India?''
+In 2012, 2013 and 2014 crude prices crossed unprecedented levels and impacted our petrol prices, at the time deregulated. Subsequently, the priceof theIndian basket of crude has fallen but fuel prices in the domestic market have gone up becauseof taxes. Incidentally, prices are not completely dependent on the international market.
+''So, does the govt make no money from petroleum products?''
+Data for the past four years shows both Centre and states make large sums from petroleum products. For instance, in 2013-14, the Centre collected Rs 1.1 lakh crore as taxes from petroleum of which Rs 0.8 lakh crore was spent in payouts including subsidies. This translated into a net gain of Rs 0.3 lakh crore for the Centre. This gain increased to Rs 2.5 lakh crore in 2016-17.
+''Isn’t it fair to tax petroleum and use that money for welfare?''
+In most advanced countries (barring the US) petroleum is a highly taxed commodity. But these countries have way higher incomes as compared to the average Indian and the cost doesn’t pinch as much as it does Indians. In this scenario, a high tax on petrol in a country at our income level remains a matter of debate.
+===2011-18: impact of rupee’s value and taxes===
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F09%2F11&entity=Ar00300&sk=D0997BB7&mode=text September 11, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
+[[File: 2011-18- The impact of the rupee’s value and taxes on the price of petroleum.jpg|2011-18- The impact of the rupee’s value and taxes on the price of petroleum <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F09%2F11&entity=Ar00300&sk=D0997BB7&mode=text September 11, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''2011-18- The impact of the rupee’s value and taxes on the price of petroleum''
+===Imports are low but pricing assumes imports: 2015-18===
+[[File: Petrol and diesel- imports into and exports from India, 2015-18.jpg|i): Petrol and diesel: imports into and exports from India, 2015-18; <br/> ii) Fuel in India is priced as if it is imported; <br/> iii) Profits of India’s oil companies (Reliance, Indian Oil), 2015-18; and <br/> iv) Taxes earned by the government from the sales of Petrol and diesel: 2014/5- 18 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F09%2F20&entity=Ar00200&sk=3020E85C&mode=text  September 20, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''i): Petrol and diesel: imports into and exports from India, 2015-18; <br/> ii) Fuel in India is priced as if it is imported; <br/> iii) Profits of India’s oil companies (Reliance, Indian Oil), 2015-18; and <br/> iv) Taxes earned by the government from the sales of Petrol and diesel: 2014/5- 18''
+==Subsidies and Oil Bonds==
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F09%2F14&entity=Ar02309&sk=16A57B0C&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, ₹1.3L cr oil bond burden limits scope for tax cut, September 14, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
+[[File: Oil bond liability, 2015-26.jpg|Oil bond liability, 2015-26 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F09%2F14&entity=Ar02309&sk=16A57B0C&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, ₹1.3L cr oil bond burden limits scope for tax cut, September 14, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+The oil price spike during the global economic boom may be history but the Centre is still dealing with unpaid subsidy bills of over Rs 1.3 lakh crore dating back to a decade, leaving the Narendra Modi government little fiscal headroom to reduce tax on petrol and diesel.
+The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had ended subsidy on petrol and diesel in April 2002. But the UPA brought back the subsidy regime to keep pump prices artificially low under pressure from coalition partners, particularly the Left parties.
+The subsidy regime was implemented through a three-way burden-sharing mechanism. Under this scheme, the government bore one-third of the under-recovery on fuels through subsidy and the remaining part was split among state-run oil refiners such as IndianOil and BPCL and upstream companies such as ONGC.
+The UPA government finally freed up petrol pricing in June 2010 but continued the subsidy on diesel. As the subsidy bill continued to swell, it decided on a ‘graded’ increase to wipe out the gap between cost and market price.
+ONGC and Oil India Ltd had for more than 13 years paid as much as 40% of the under-recoveries arising from fuel retailers selling petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and kerosene at a government-mandated price, which was way below cost.
+A part of the subsidy liability was shifted for future by issuing oil bonds of over Rs 1.4 lakh crore, a part of which will mature in 2021 and continue through 2026. Of the total bonds, only three tranches adding up to Rs 11,500 crore have matured till 2015. Government sources said the bonds entail huge annual interest payout as the papers were issued at an average 8% interest rate.
+The Modi administration has been under pressure to lower excise duty on petrol and diesel to arrest runaway retail prices. On Thursday, petrol touched a record high of Rs 81 a litre and diesel soared to 73.08 a litre in Delhi, the benchmark market where state taxes are among the lowest in the country.
+==Changes in the prices of oil, petroleum, diesel, natural gas==
+===2002-16===
+'''See graphic''':
+''The difference between the prices of diesel and petrol, 2002-16 ''
+''Percentage share of diesel vehicles in total sales, 2009-16''
+[[File: The difference between the prices of diesel and petrol, 2002-16.jpg| The difference between the prices of diesel and petrol, 2002-16; Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=STATOISTICS-DIFFERENCE-BETWEEN-DIESEL-AND-PETROL-PRICES-IS-26052016008057 ''The Times of India''], May 26, 2016|frame|500px]]
+[[File: Percentage share of diesel vehicles in total sales, 2009-16.jpg| Percentage share of diesel vehicles in total sales, 2009-16; Graphic courtesy: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=STATOISTICS-DIFFERENCE-BETWEEN-DIESEL-AND-PETROL-PRICES-IS-26052016008057 ''The Times of India''], May 26, 2016|frame|500px]]
+===2006–2014===
+[[File: ride.jpg| left|frame|Change in petrol, diesel, crude oil prices: 2006–2014; <br/> From: [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=06_12_2014_011_011_004&type=P&artUrl=STATOISTICS-A-SMOOTHER-RIDE-06122014011011&eid=31808''The Times of India''] ]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''Change in petrol, diesel, crude oil prices: 2006–2014''
+===2012-2020===
+[[File: The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, 2012-2020.jpg| The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, 2012-2020 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F05%2F06&entity=Ar00112&sk=77BE9748&mode=text  May 6, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, 2012-2020''
+===2013-16===
+[[File: Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, Value of India's import and consumption, 2013-16.jpg|Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, Value of India's import and consumption, 2013-16; [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com//Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=STATOISTICS-INDIAS-CRUDE-OIL-BILL-IS-DOWN-50-08122016010048 The Times of India], December 8, 2016|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''Average November prices of Indian basket of crude oil, Value of India's import and consumption, 2013-16''
+===2014-17===
+[[File: The price of crude oil, 2014-17, Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Delhi, 2014-17, Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sept 2017, The component of taxes in Delhi.jpg| i) The price of crude oil, 2014-17; <br/> ii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Delhi, 2014-17; <br/> iii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sept 2017; <br/> iv) The component of taxes in Delhi<br/> From [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=14_09_2017_019_019_005&type=P&artUrl=Zomato-buys-logistics-co-Runnr-in-40m-all-14092017019019&eid=31808 The Times of India], September 14, 2017|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''i) The price of crude oil, 2014-17; <br/> ii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Delhi, 2014-17; <br/> iii) Retail prices of petroleum and diesel in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sept 2017; <br/> iv) The component of taxes in Delhi''
+===2015===
+[[File: prices of petrol and diesel in major cities.jpg|2015: the prices of petrol and diesel in the major cities of India, indicating where it is the most and where the least expensive|frame|500px]]
+Mar 26 2015
+The basic price of petrol and the excise duty levied by the central government is uniform across the country. The final retail prices, however, vary from state to state depending on the state-level VAT, sales tax, local freight, delivery charges and so on. A comparison of 33 markets in different states shows that petrol is cheapest in Port Blair where it costs Rs 54.1 a litre, about 14 rupees cheaper than in Hyderabad where the rate is highest. Port Blair again has the cheapest diesel, with prices there 10 rupees lower than in Mumbai, which has the most expensive diesel in the country.
+===2016: crude price lowest in 12 years===
+[[File: The retail price of petrol in India, compared with other countries, in 2016.jpg|The retail price of petrol in India, compared with other countries, in 2016; [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=07_05_2017_019_012_002&type=P&artUrl=INCREDIBLE-FACT-07052017019012&eid=31808 The Times of India], May 7, 2017 |frame|500px]]
+[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Indian-crude-price-dives-to-lowest-level-in-09012016025038 ''The Times of India'']Jan 09 2016
+[[File: crude oil.jpg|Average price of crude oil in India: Nov 2001-Jan 15, ii) Imports (2013- Jan 16) in terms of value and quantity; [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=Indian-crude-price-dives-to-lowest-level-in-09012016025038 ''The Times of India'']Jan 09 2016|frame|500px]]
 TIMES NEWS NETWORK
-New Delhi: In line with expectations of an early and hot summer, temperatures in the capital soared to an eightyear high for the month of March on Wednesday, with the mercury hitting 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in the season at Palam.
+The price of crude bought by Indian refiners slumped to its lowest level in nearly 12 years, renewing hopes of continued reduced pump prices for consumers. It has also created room for government to raise fuel taxes to prop up the central kitty . However, it could also spark fresh worries of inventory losses for oil company bosses.
-The day’s maximum temperature at Palam was 40.6 degrees C while Safdarjung recorded 38.6 degrees. Both were the highest recorded March temperatures at the respective stations since 2010. The readings were as much as ''' eight degrees above normal ''' at Palam and seven at Safdarjung.
+The mix of crude that India buys, called the `Indian basket', slumped after the European benchmark Brent slipped to its lowest in 13 years on worries over a slowdown in China, the second biggest oil consumer, amid oversupply .
-Officials from the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre (RWFC) in Delhi said the temperature rise over the last few days has been due to clear skies and a reduction in wind speeds, further aided by anti-cyclonic dry winds from Rajasthan.
+For India, which imports 80% of its crude requirement, the happy hour also carries a statutory warning over currency and export woes.
-“The maximum is currently around 7 degrees above normal for this time of the season, mainly due to a reduction in wind speed over the last few days and clear skies. Delhi is seeing anti-cyclonic winds at the lower level from Rajasthan which is then turning towards UP through Delhi,” said Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist at RWFC.
+The upside of low oil prices comes from forex savings on crude import. The savings are estimated at Rs 2 lakh crore this year. Latest data projects a 35% drop in the oil import bill at $73 billion against $112 billion last year, for nearly the same quantity . This is in addition to reduced subsidy for cooking fuels.
-Stations across the city recorded similarly high temperatures on Wednesday, with the mercury touching 39.9 degrees at Ridge and 39.2 at Ayanagar.
+To put the savings in per spective, it would be enough to cover the Centre's school education, health, women and child development budgets, and pay for the rural jobs scheme. The government may also utilize this window to mop up additional resour ces by going for another round of excise hike on fuels. Signs of stability in global markets helped the domestic equities break a four-session losing streak but failed to stop the BSE sensex from logging its worst weekly performance since November 2011.
-==Delhi/ 2021==
-Mar 28
-.6 degrees Celsius Narela
+The benchmark BSE sensex rose by 82.5 points to recover from 19-month lows on Friday but on a weekly basis tumbled by 1,226.6 points or 4.7% on concerns over the health of Chinese economy and geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
-.2 degrees Celsius Najafgarh
+===2018, May: retail prices highest since 2013===
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F21&entity=Ar01016&sk=9DBAE966&mode=text  Why Petrol Price Has Hit A Record High , May 21, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
-.9 degrees Celsius  Sports Complex in east Delhi
-.9 degrees Celsius  Pitampura
+[[File: Petroleum, diesel, kerosene prices in Indian cities- From June 2002- April 2018, Compared to neighbouring countries, Compared to major economies, The ‘components’ of the Petroleum and diesel prices.jpg|Petroleum, diesel, kerosene prices in Indian cities <br/> i) From June 2002- April 2018; <br/> ii) Compared to neighbouring countries; iii) Compared to major economies; <br/> iv) The ‘components’ of the Petroleum and diesel prices<br/> From:[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F21&entity=Ar01016&sk=9DBAE966&mode=text  Why Petrol Price Has Hit A Record High, May 21, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
-Mar 28 minimum temperature 17.8 degrees Celsius.
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+''' Are present petrol and diesel prices highest ever? '''
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:Pages with broken file links|MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-==Delhi, 35.5°C/ 16.2°C, humidity 32%>92%/ 2019==
+In the last 16 years petrol, reached the highest price of Rs 76.06 per litre in Delhi on September 14, 2013. The next four highest prices were reached in May 2018. The present price of diesel, on the other hand, is the highest ever in this 16-year period.
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F29&entity=Ar01101&sk=FD6C99CB&mode=text     Season’s hottest day yet, mercury touches 35.5°C May Cross 37°C By Saturday |  ''The Times of India'']
-Delhi recorded the hottest day of the season so far with the maximum temperature touching 35.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday — three notches ''' above normal ''' for this time of the season.
+''' What is the proportion of taxes as a component of the prices? '''
-According to officials from the regional meteorological department, an active western disturbance is also passing through Delhi that has increased the moisture content.
-Delhi’s minimum temperature on Thursday was recorded at 16.2 degrees Celsius, while relative humidity oscillated between 32% and 92% in the last 24 hours.
-= 29th March=
+Over 50% of petrol’s retail price constitutes taxes and dealer commissions. For diesel, the corresponding figure is over 40%. Taxes vary in different states and hence there are variations in retail prices.
-= 30th March=
-==Delhi, 39.2°C/ 20.2°C, abnormally hot, 2019==
-[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F03%2F31&entity=Ar00605&sk=82FFC790&mode=text  At 39.2°C, city gets hottest March day in 9 years | ''The Times of India'']
+''' In which cities are these fuels the most and least expensive? '''
+Petrol is most expensive in Mumbai, while Hyderabad has the highest diesel price. It is interesting that in many cities the difference between petrol and diesel prices have narrowed significantly meaning there would be very little advantage for diesel vehicle owners.
-The capital recorded the warmest March day in nine years as the mercury touched 39.2 degrees Celsius —'''  seven notches above normal ''' for this time of the season. [Indpaedia: On the 28th March 2018 Delhi had recorded  40.6°C]
+''' Does India have the region’s highest petrol prices? '''
-]
-The mercury aided by high humidity levels, which eventually led to a spell of very light rain in the evening in some parts of the city, Met officials said.
+For petrol and diesel, prices are the highest in India. Effective cost of LPG cylinder after DBTL — Direct Benefit Transfer of LPG — is the lowest in India. Only Sri Lanka has a lower price of kerosene oil.
+''' Are India’s petrol prices more than other large nations? '''
+In advanced countries (except the US) petroleum is a highly taxed commodity. Average citizens of these countries, however have higher income as compared to average Indians and the cost doesn’t set them back as much as it does for us. For instance it will cost about 20% of the daily income of an average Indian to buy a litre of petrol.
+===2019-20: difference between petrol and diesel prices shrunk to 71 paise===
+[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F06%2F23&entity=Ar00113&sk=2C87EC95&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, June 23, 2020: ''The Times of India'']
+[[File: The difference between petrol and diesel prices. June 2019-2020.jpg|The difference between petrol and diesel prices. June 2019-2020 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F06%2F23&entity=Ar00113&sk=2C87EC95&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, June 23, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+The difference between petrol and diesel prices shrunk to 71 paise, or less than 1%, its lowest-ever, in Delhi on Monday after state-run fuel retailers raised prices for the 16th consecutive day. In Mumbai, the gap shrunk to less than 12%, or Rs 9.12 a litre, which is still the narrowest so far.
+After the latest increase, petrol price rose to Rs 79.56 a litre and diesel to Rs 78.85, the highest in 21 months.
+In Mumbai, petrol sold for Rs 86.36 a litre and diesel for Rs 77.24.
+Government data show the gap was widest at Rs 30.25, or nearly 74%, on June 18, 2012 when petrol cost Rs 71.16 a litre and diesel Rs 40.91 in Delhi. In Mumbai, the gap was widest at Rs 31.17 on June 28, the same year when petrol sold at Rs 76.45 a litre and diesel Rs 45.28.
+''' Tax on diesel was mostly kept low '''
+Diesel prices have traditionally trailed petrol by a wide margin because of the way it used to be taxed by the Centre and states. Tax on diesel was kept low as it is mainly used by transporters and farmers.
+But since fuel-pricing was deregulated in October 2014, this difference has also narrowed. In Delhi, for example, taxes account for 64% of petrol price and 63% of diesel price. The variation in price gaps seen in the two metros is due to the difference in state levies, which magnifies the impact of central taxes and price revisions. Fuel taxes in Delhi were among the lowest in the country till April, while state levies in Mumbai were among the steepest.
+This reversed after the Delhi government jacked up VAT on diesel to 30% from 16.75% on May 4, which keeps diesel prices higher than Mumbai. VAT on petrol was also raised to 30% from 27% but it is still lower than Mumbai.
+Diesel has been catching up slowly ever since the daily price revision was introduced in June 2017.
+=== 2020 Feb, 2021 February===
+[[File: The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, Mumbai, 2020, 2021.jpg|The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, Mumbai, 2020, 2021  <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2021%2F02%2F22&entity=Ar01204&sk=A1FC56DF&mode=text  Sanjay Dutta, February , 2021: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+'' The per-litre retail price of petrol and diesel in Delhi, Mumbai: 2020, 2021 ''
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Pages with broken file links|PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+==The component of central, state taxes, 2014-16==
+[[File: States with highest sales tax, VAT rates on petrol and diesel.jpg|States with highest sales tax/VAT rates on petrol and diesel; [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=States-keep-Centre-company-in-milking-fuel-consumers-21092017018019  States keep Centre company in milking fuel consumers, September 21, 2017: The Times of India]|frame|500px]]
+[http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31808&articlexml=States-keep-Centre-company-in-milking-fuel-consumers-21092017018019  States keep Centre company in milking fuel consumers, September 21, 2017: The Times of India]
+'''See graphic: '''
+''States with highest sales tax, VAT rates on petrol and diesel''
+The spike in pump prices has brought the excise duty hikes on petrol and diesel between 2014 and 2016 back into focus. But the public outcry over the government's refusal to prune the tax has overshadowed the fact that the Centre is not alone in milking fuel consumers.State government too are raking it in through high sales tax or VAT, with states ruled by the BJP or its allies making up the top grossers.
+This is one of the reasons the Centre has remained steadfast against cutting excise duty even after petrol has become costlier by over Rs 7 per litre or so since July .Pump prices rose to their three-year highs in cities such as Mumbai because of high state taxes amplifying the impact of recent rise in international product prices.
+VAT collection from fuels has risen more than 16% from Rs 1,42,848 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 1,66, 378 crore in 2016-17.During the same period, however, just excise mop up from fuels has risen over 35% from Rs 1,78,591 crore to Rs 2,42,691 crore, according to PPAC da ta. In addition, the Centre also collects royalty, cess and dividend from the oil industry .
+No wonder consumers are seeing the Centre's move to raise excise on fuels as the fly in the ointment. The Centre had cumulatively hiked excise on petrol by Rs 11.77 per litre and on diesel Rs 13.47 a litre between November 2014 and January 2016 to soak up part of the benefit of tumbling global oil prices.
+Finance minister Arun Jaitley and oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan had then separately explained in Parliament that the government was doing this to raise funds for infrastructure and social welfare schemes.
+Jaitley tried to shift the focus on states by saying they charge a high amount of sales tax or VAT on fuel and the Centre needs money to spend on infrastructure and social sectors to keep the engine of growth ticking.
+===…in 2013, Oct and 2018, May===
+[[File: The component of central and state taxes in the prices of Petroleum and diesel in India in 2013, Oct and 2018, May.jpg|The component of central and state taxes in the prices of Petroleum and diesel in India in 2013, Oct and 2018, May <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F05%2F22&entity=Ar00718&sk=9F392025&mode=image  May 22, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''The component of central and state taxes in the prices of Petroleum and diesel in India in 2013, Oct and 2018, May''
+==Affordability==
+===2017===
+[[File: Petrol prices as a percentage of a day’s income, in India and other major countries, in 2017.jpg|Petrol prices as a percentage of a day’s income, in India and other major countries, in 2017 <br/> From [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=05_10_2017_011_032_003&type=P&artUrl=STATOISTICS-05102017011032&eid=31808 The Times of India], October 5, 2017|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''', ''Petrol prices as a percentage of a day’s income, in India and other major countries, in 2017''
+==As in 2021; prices: 2012-21==
+[[File: Petroleum, diesel- Affordability 2021; prices- 2012-21; International comparisons- 2021.jpg|Petroleum, diesel: Affordability 2021; prices: 2012-21; International comparisons: 2021 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2021%2F02%2F20&entity=Ar02712&sk=7D673AB9&mode=image  February 20, 2021: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+'' Petroleum, diesel: Affordability 2021; prices: 2012-21; International comparisons: 2021 ''
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Pages with broken file links|PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+==International price comparisons==
+===1998> 2018===
+[[File: The prices of petrol and diesel in India, China and other major economies, in 1998 and 2018.jpg|The prices of petrol and diesel in India, China and other major economies, in 1998 and 2018 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2018%2F07%2F04&entity=Ar01222&sk=E13F4CA6&mode=image  July 4, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+''The prices of petrol and diesel in India, China and other major economies, in 1998 and 2018''
+= Refining capacity=
+==2018: India ranks 4th==
+[[File: Oil Refining capacity in India, Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, S Korea and the USA, presumably as in 2018.jpg|Oil Refining capacity in India, Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, S Korea and the USA, presumably as in 2018 <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-ranks-4th-in-terms-of-refining-capacity/articleshow/70653334.cms  August 13, 2019: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+'' Oil Refining capacity in India, Brazil, China, Germany, Iran, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, S Korea and the USA, presumably as in 2018. ''
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Pages with broken file links|PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+=Production (of oil)=
+==As in 2018==
+[[File: Production (of oil) in India, As in 2018.jpg|Production (of oil) in India, As in 2018 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F04%2F30&entity=Ar01710&sk=5A33B1CB&mode=image  April 30, 2019: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+'' Production (of oil) in India, As in 2018 ''
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+=Refineries=
+== RIL's Jamnagar unit==
+[[File: RIL's Jamnagar refining unit was, in 2019, among the world’s most complex.jpg|RIL's Jamnagar refining unit was, in 2019, among the world’s most complex. <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F04%2F23&entity=Ar01900&sk=852612A1&mode=image  April 23, 2019: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
+'' RIL's Jamnagar refining unit was, in 2019, among the world’s most complex ''
+= Reserves=
+==Strategic petroleum reserves==
+[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/why-india-is-hiding-oil-in-caves/articleshow/64775340.cms  June 28, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
+[[File: Called strategic petroleum reserves, these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks.jpg|Called strategic petroleum reserves, these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks <br/> From: [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/why-india-is-hiding-oil-in-caves/articleshow/64775340.cms  June 28, 2018: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''HIGHLIGHTS'''
+In its bid for long-term solution against global crude oil price volatility, India is looking towards caves that store oil
+Called strategic petroleum reserves, these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks
+During the Gulf War in 1990, India was hit with a crisis so severe that the country was left with oil reserves adequate for just 3 days. Oil prices shot up alarmingly as a fall out of the war and triggered an inflationary spiral across the world and India could not escape the heat.
+As the government's coffers bled heavily in buying high-priced crude, India's forex reserves came down to $1.2 billion at the end of April 1991. To put this into perspective, in the week ended June 15, the country's foreign currency assets stood at $410.07 billion.
+Even though the forex reserves are nowhere close to the dismal state it saw in 1991, volatility in global oil prices and its vagaries may be tracked as recently as to the spike in petrol and diesel prices a few weeks back that sent the government scampering for policy changes.
+In its bid for long-term solution, India is looking towards caves that store oil. Called strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs), these caves are aimed at providing buffer from external price and supply shocks.
+India already has three underground storage facilities, built at the cost of Rs 4,100 crore that can store 5.33 million tonnes (MMT) of crude oil. The one in Visakhapatnam is already filled with 1.33 MMT of oil, another in Mangalore is filled to a fourth of its 1.50 MMT capacity, and the third in Padur, Karnataka, is built but awaiting oil for storage.
+The cabinet has now approved two more SPRs -- a 4.4 million tonnes SPR at Chandikhol in Odisha and a 2.5 million tonnes facility at Padur in Karnataka.
+The oil in the three SPRs already built can help meet 10 days of crude requirement, and the two planned ones can hold supply of about 12 more days.
+===Abu Dhabi company hires India's strategic storage===
+[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/abu-dhabi-oil-company-hires-indias-strategic-oil-storage/articleshow/66591865.cms  November 12, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
+India signed an initial pact to lease out a part of its underground strategic oil storage at Padur in Karnataka to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) for storing crude oil, the second such deal with the UAE firm this year, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.
+India has built 5.33 million tonne (MT) of emergency storage + -- enough to meet its oil needs for 9.5 days, in underground rock caverns in Mangalore and Padur in Karnataka and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It has allowed foreign oil companies to store oil in the storages on condition that the stockpile can be used by New Delhi in case of an emergency.
+ADNOC had in February this year signed a pact to fill half of the 1.5 MT strategic oil storage + at Mangalore. On Monday it signed a similar pact for Padur.
+"ISPRL (Strategic Petroleum Reserve entity of India) and ADNOC of UAE signed MoU to explore possibilities of ADNOC investment in filling up of crude oil in Padur + strategic reserve in Karnataka," Pradhan, who is in Abu Dhabi for the agreement signing, tweeted.
+The agreement allows ADNOC to sell or trade crude oil storage in the storages to local refiners but give Indian government the first right to the oil in case of an emergency.
+"ADNOC signs MoU with the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL), to explore storage of crude oil at Padur underground facility in Karnataka, which has a 2.5 MT (about 17 million barrels) capacity," the UEA firm tweeted.
+Official sources said the pact followed the Cabinet's last week decision of approving filling up of the underground strategic oil storage at Padur by foreign oil companies.
+While a third of the Visakhapatnam facility has been hired by Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL), ADNOC and government of India filled the storage at Mangalore. The 2.5 MT Padur facility remained empty.
+Allowing foreign companies to use the storage for storing crude oil helps the government save on the cost of filling the reserves. Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had after the Cabinet meeting on November 8 said that allowing foreign companies to store oil in Padur + would help the government save Rs 10,000 crore.
+UAE Oil Minister Sultan al-Jaber said:"India is an important oil market and the agreement with ISPRL underscores the strategic energy partnership between the UAE and India that leverages the UAE and ADNOC's expertise and oil resources."
+ADNOC in another tweet quoted Pradhan as saying that "the MoU with ADNOC will allow ISPRL to explore opportunities related to the possible storage of ADNOC crude at Padur, which would help to significantly strengthen the country's strategic petroleum reserves."
+The ISPRL has constructed and commissioned underground rock caverns for storage of total 5.33 MT(around 39 million barrels) of crude oil at three locations -- Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MT), Mangalore (1.5 MT) and Padur (2.5 MT).
+Padur storage has four compartments of 0.625 MT each and ADNOC may use half of the storage capacity for stocking its oil.
+The total 5.33 MT capacity under Phase-I of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) programme is estimated to supply about 9.5 days of India's crude requirement.
+In Mangalore, it had agreed to stock 5.86 million barrels of 0.75 MT of oil.
+In Phase-II, India plans to build an additional 6.5 MT facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur, which is expected to augment the emergency cover against any supply disruption by another 11.5 days.
+Sources said oil firms like ADNOC could use the Padur storage to stock their oil and sell it to refineries in the region on commercial terms.
+India, which meets 83 per cent of its oil needs through imports, will have the right of first refusal to buy the crude oil stored in the facilities in case of an emergency, they said.
+Indian refiners maintain 65 days of crude storage, and when added to the storage planned and achieved by ISPRL, the Indian crude storage tally goes up to about 87 days. This is very close to the storage of 90 days mandated by IEA for member countries.
+ADNOC had last year given up its crude storage lease in South Korea and instead agreed to store oil at Mangalore in a bid to establish a ground presence in the world's third-largest oil consuming nation.
+Out of the crude stored, a part would be used for commercial purposes by ADNOC, while a major part would be purely for strategic purposes.
+The Visakhapatnam facility can meet two-and-half days need while Mangalore can meet 2.8 days requirement. Padur can meet 4.7 days requirement.
+The SPR at Mangalore consists of two compartments with a total storage capacity of 1.5 MT (11 million barrels). While one compartment has been filled with crude oil through funds made available by the government, the other compartment will be filled with crude supplied by ADNOC.
+ADNOC hired the Mangalore storage just as it ended a contract to store 6 million barrels of crude oil at Korea National Oil Corp's Yeosu facility in the country's southwest coast.
+South Korea had first right over the oil in the event of a supply emergency.
+===Why India is renting out its caves===
+[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/why-india-is-renting-out-its-caves-to-foreign-firms/articleshow/66606473.cms  November 13, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
+India signed an initial pact to lease out a part of its underground strategic oil storage at Padur in Karnataka to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) for storing crude oil. Padur storage has four compartments of 0.625 MMT (million metric tonnes) each and ADNOC may use half of the storage capacity for stocking its oil.
+Allowing foreign companies to use the storage for storing crude oil helps the government save on the cost of filling the reserves.
+"ADNOC is the only foreign oil and gas company, so far, to invest by way of crude oil in India's strategic petroleum reserves programme," an oil ministry statement said.
+Caves of oil: They are called strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs). India has three underground storage facilities (built at the cost of Rs 4,100 crore) that can store 5.33 million tonnes of crude oil. The one in Visakhapatnam is already filled with 1.33 MMT of oil, deals to fill another 1.50 MMT capacity in Mangalore have been signed, and the third (with 2.5 MMT capacity) in Padur, Karnataka, is built but awaiting oil for storage. India also plans to build an additional 6.5 MMT facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur.
+Caves on rent: India on Monday signed an initial pact to lease out a part of its storage at Padur to ADNOC, the second such deal with the UAE firm this year. It had signed a pact in February to fill half of the storage at Mangalore.
+Why? The agreement allows ADNOC to sell or trade crude oil stored in these facilities to local refiners but it gives Indian government the first right to the oil in case of an emergency. Allowing foreign companies to store oil will help Centre save Rs 10,000 crore. The storage facilities are for India’s energy security, and to insulate us from external price and supply shocks. The oil in the three facilities already built can help meet 10 days of crude requirement, and the two planned ones can hold supply of about 12 more days.
+What crisis? There was one during the Gulf War in 1990, when our oil reserves were adequate only for three days. Plus, others like US, Japan, China, UK and EU have it too.
+==The SPR caves==
+[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/why-india-wants-investors-to-fill-its-caves-with-oil/articleshow/66192770.cms  Why India wants investors to fill its caves with oil, October 13, 2018: ''The Times of India'']
+Amid the volatility in the global crude prices, the government is planning to increase its capacity of oil reserves and is seeking investments from oil traders and producers.
+'''Caves of oil''': They are called strategic petroleum reserves (SPRs). India has three underground storage facilities (built at the cost of Rs 4,100 crore) that can store 5.33 million tonnes of crude oil.
+'''Oil in caves''': The one in Visakhapatnam is filled with 1.33 MMT of oil purchased by the government, another in Mangalore (with 1.50 MMT capacity) has been half-filled by the government and another half leased to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, and the third in Padur, Karnataka, is built but awaiting oil for storage.
+'''Dig some more''': Cabinet early this year approved two more SPRs: a 4.4 million tonnes SPR at Chandikhol in Odisha and a 2.5 million tonnes facility at Padur in Karnataka.
+'''What now?'''
+Centre is seeking $1.5 billion in investments from global oil producers and traders to build the two additional reserves. It plans to hold roadshows in New Delhi, Singapore and London this month to draw investors. Getting private investors will lessen the financial burden on the government.
+'''Private or public?'''
+While the oil will be filled by private companies, India will reserve the first right over the crude. Government-owned Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (formed in 2006) will collaborate with private entities to invest in the project.
+'''Why?'''
+For India’s energy security (we import 85% of our crude needs), and to insulate us from external price and supply shocks. The oil in the three SPRs already built can help meet 10 days of crude requirement, and the two planned ones can hold supply of about 12 more days.
+'''What crisis?'''
+There was one during the Gulf War in 1990, when our oil reserves were adequate only for three days. Plus, others like US, Japan, China, UK and EU have it too.
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: IPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+=Taxes=
+==2017==
+[[File: Taxes on petrol and diesel in some selected states, 2017.jpg|Taxes on petrol and diesel in some selected states, 2017 <br/> From [http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Gallery.aspx?id=05_10_2017_011_020_010&type=P&artUrl=Slash-VAT-on-petrol-diesel-by-5-Centre-05102017011020&eid=31808 The Times of India], October 5, 2017|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''', ''Taxes on petrol and diesel in some selected states, 2017''
+==2017-2020==
+[[File:  Taxes on petroleum products in India, 2017-2020..jpg| Taxes on petroleum products in India, 2017-2020. <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2020%2F07%2F07&entity=Ar01313&sk=4DF352EC&mode=image  July 7, 2020: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
+'''See graphic''':
-The evening drizzle occurred due to a passing western disturbance.
+'' Taxes on petroleum products in India, 2017-2020. ''
-The minimum temperature, too, remained above normal on Saturday and was recorded at 20.2° Celsius, with the relative humidity oscillating between 26 and 87 percent in the last 24 hours. “There was light rain in the evening, with some parts recording just a trace.,” the official added.
+[[Category:Economy-Industry-Resources|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:India|PPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
+[[Category:Name|ALPHABETPETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I
+PETROLEUM, DIESEL, KEROSENE, INDIA: I]]
-= 31st March=
+=See also=
-=See also=
+[[Petroleum, diesel, kerosene, India: I]]
-[[January weather in India]] <>[[ February weather in India]] <> [[March weather in India]] <> [[April weather in India]] <> [[May weather in India]] <> [[June weather in India]] <> [[Summers: India]]<> [[July weather in India]] <> [[August weather in India]] <> [[September weather in India]] <> [[Monsoons: India]]<> [[October weather in India]] <> [[November weather in India]] <> [[December weather in India]] <> [[Winter rains: India]] <> [[Winters: India]]
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+[[Petroleum, diesel, natural gas, India, II (ministry data)]]
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
-[[Category:Climate/Meteorology|MMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
+==...and also==
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]
+[[Automobile industry: India]]
-[[Category:India|M MARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIAMARCH WEATHER IN INDIA
-MARCH WEATHER IN INDIA]]

March weather in India, Petroleum, diesel, kerosene, India: I

Revision as of 09:46, 6 April 2021

Contents

Consumption in India...

Consumption of Diesel

2012-13

Consumption of oil, natural gas

2008-17

Economy: India's oil economy

Imports: domestic production ratio

2018: ‘Oil has lower impact on economy than believed’

The impact of oil on India’s trade, 2017, 18

Export, import

2014-18

Imports

Crude oil

2015-16

From Iran

2013-18

From Nigeria

From OPEC

2018

2016-20

2018

2016-20

Kerosene

2011-12: Use of kerosene in Indian households

The problem with the kerosene subsidy

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

Price

2016> 21

Oil storage, trading hub in India

2018: Abu Dhabi oil in Mangaluru’s underground storage facility

Oil spills

Steps to control impact of oil spills

2019: Chitosan/ switching into extremely water-repelling to extremely oil-repelling and vice-versa

Output

2015-19

Petrol pumps

2017: number of pumps, increase in 6 years

Prices

How petroleum is priced in India

2011-18: impact of rupee’s value and taxes

Imports are low but pricing assumes imports: 2015-18

Subsidies and Oil Bonds

Changes in the prices of oil, petroleum, diesel, natural gas

2002-16

2006–2014

2012-2020

2013-16

2014-17

2015

2016: crude price lowest in 12 years

2018, May: retail prices highest since 2013

2019-20: difference between petrol and diesel prices shrunk to 71 paise

2020 Feb, 2021 February

The component of central, state taxes, 2014-16

…in 2013, Oct and 2018, May

Affordability

2017

As in 2021; prices: 2012-21

International price comparisons

1998> 2018

Refining capacity

2018: India ranks 4th

Production (of oil)

As in 2018

Refineries

RIL's Jamnagar unit

Reserves

Strategic petroleum reserves

Abu Dhabi company hires India's strategic storage

Why India is renting out its caves

The SPR caves

Taxes

2017

2017-2020

See also

...and also

Personal tools