E20 FUEL QUALITY
Bajaj Finance, L&T Finance poised to benefit as NBFC earnings recovery broadens: Siddhartha Khemka
India’s NBFC sector is showing signs of a broad-based cyclical recovery, with FY27 first-quarter results pointing to stronger loan growth, improving asset quality, lower credit costs and emerging operating leverage. Earnings estimates are also being upgraded, raising expectations of sustained profitability and a potential valuation re-rating across leading lenders.
Supreme Court to hear plea on ethanol labelling at petrol pumps on August 31
The Supreme Court will hear a petition on August 31 regarding ethanol labelling. The plea seeks mandatory disclosure of ethanol percentages on petrol dispensing nozzles. It also requests a public database detailing vehicle compatibility with ethanol blends. An expert committee will examine the real-world impact of E20 fuel. The court will consider consumer disclosure protocols and transition frameworks for vehicles.
Passenger vehicle and 2W retail demand strengthens in August ahead of festive season on strong Onam pull: Report
Passenger vehicle demand shows constructive growth, likely exceeding nine to ten percent year-on-year. Two-wheeler retail growth is estimated between eighteen and twenty percent during August. Commercial vehicles also posted steady trends with double-digit retail growth. Demand in southern markets led passenger vehicle sales due to early Onam. Improved supply chains and steady inquiry levels support broad-based retail momentum.
In 2002, Idaho listed the South Fork Palouse River as bacteria-impaired after livestock grazing. 14 years later, restoration helped remove it from the 2016 impaired list
The South Fork Palouse River restoration began with a problem Idaho could not ignore. In 2002, the river was listed as bacteria-impaired, with livestock grazing among the identified sources. Fourteen years later, its water showed a different picture. Restoration work helped reduce E. coli levels enough for Idaho to remove that impairment in 2016. The story shows how practical conservation can slowly change a troubled river.
Centre allows imported coal in Rs 37,500-crore gasification scheme
The government permits imported coal for gasification projects under a new scheme. This initiative aims to convert coal into valuable chemicals and fuels. Developers will arrange their own fuel supply, with no domestic coal guarantee provided. Foreign companies can bid but must establish a local entity if selected. The scheme offers financial support for plant and machinery costs.
Government ignoring warnings & E20 spiked sugar prices: Randeep Singh Surjewala
The Congress party has sharply criticized the government's lack of action regarding soaring sugar prices. They argue that the administration disregarded prior alerts about dwindling sugar supplies. Allegations have emerged that sugarcane is being redirected for E20 fuel production, undermining availability. This shift has sparked a considerable price hike for consumers, with opposition leaders asserting that black marketeers are profiting from the turmoil.
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BPCL to get first Iraqi crude cargo as Hormuz disruption persists
Bharat Petroleum Corporation will soon receive its first Iraqi crude oil shipment. This move aims to secure supplies while facing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The company is also open to purchasing more Gulf crude on a free-on-board basis. BPCL plans a ship-to-ship transfer of the Iraqi cargo near Fujairah. This diversification strategy helps maintain essential fuel supplies for the nation.

India's EV market to reach Rs 20 lakh cr by 2030, will create 5 cr jobs: Nitin Gadkari
India's electric vehicle market is projected to reach twenty lakh crore rupees by 2030. This significant growth is expected to generate five crore new employment opportunities across the nation. The government aims to make India's automobile industry the world's number one within five years. Current logistics costs are being reduced, aiding global market competitiveness. Bio-fuel is identified as a key component for the future of transportation.

BPCL says no decision to replace E20 with E10, as govt debates lower-blend option for older vehicles
Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd has clarified that there are no plans to switch from E20 petrol to E10 fuel. Discussions are currently taking place about the feasibility of lower ethanol blends for older vehicles. The existing infrastructure could accommodate a transition if government policies evolve. However, creating a new petrol grade poses considerable logistical hurdles; hence, no definitive decision has been reached regarding the fuel blending framework.

BPCL eyes E-comm, payment gateway in non-fuel push; looks to deliver groceries along with LPG cylinders
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is expanding its e-commerce operations. The company plans to deliver groceries along with LPG cylinders to customers. BPCL aims to capture digital transactions by launching its own payment gateway. Its existing retail network and LPG distributorships will be utilized for this venture. Pilot projects are underway in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

BMW has a new luxury car customer in India: CEO Hardeep Singh Brar reveals who is giving BMW an edge over other German rivals
In an interview with ET Online, BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar discussed the changing luxury car market, the growing influence of younger buyers and startup founders, BMW's edge over its German rivals, and why he would still choose a petrol car over an EV.

Jefferies picks 4 NBFCs with up to 20% upside that may continue outperforming Nifty, bank stocks. Here’s why
Jefferies has picked Bajaj Finance, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, Aditya Birla Capital and Shriram Finance to outperform the Nifty and bank stocks, with target prices implying up to 20% upside. The brokerage expects strong earnings growth, asset-quality improvement and EPS upgrades to drive gains, despite limited scope for valuation re-rating.

South Africa’s cricket fever pays off as SA20 Season 4 generates $406 million GDP boost
Having achieved its most robust economic performance yet, South Africa's SA20 League has injected $406 million into the country's gross domestic product. This figure illustrates a striking 23% increase in economic influence compared to the previous year. Attendance surged by 13%, while direct spending climbed to $137 million. The league is gearing up for its fifth season, which is scheduled to start in January 2027.

Government tightens ethanol blend rules for OMCs
The government is contemplating the enforcement of mandatory chloride contamination limits for E20 petrol. Automakers have expressed worries over fuel quality and its potential effects on vehicle components. Presently, the chloride contamination thresholds are merely part of voluntary standards for ethanol-blended petrol. The Bureau of Indian Standards is striving to implement these requirements as mandatory. This initiative aims to elevate the quality standards of automotive fuels across the country.

Ethanol is not the whole story behind India’s sugar price surge
Sugar prices have significantly increased due to production shortfalls and rising demand. Government data shows a substantial decline in expected sugar production for the season. International market trends and domestic supply issues also contribute to the current price situation. Ethanol diversion is a factor, but not the sole cause of the sugar price surge. Policymakers are addressing broader supply and inventory concerns with import decisions.

Indian banks' asset quality outlook remains stable, West Asia impact limited: Report
Banks in India foresee a stable outlook for asset quality, driven by the reduction of unsecured lending which should prevent new stresses from emerging. The current crisis in West Asia is unlikely to significantly affect operations. Furthermore, with a strong government backing, microfinance loans provide more security, and although MSME loans continue to grow, they are still within safe limits for banks.

In April 2023, an Indian plant began converting 2,000 metric tons of cashew residues monthly into marine fuel. Now, the refined oil has passed real-world ocean trials, linking a village waste stream to global shipping
A plant near Hebri, India, converts cashew processing waste into biofuel and biochar. This facility now processes nearly two thousand metric tons of cashew residues monthly. The resulting biofuel can power industries like shipping and heavy manufacturing. Biochar produced also helps improve soil quality and retain moisture effectively.

Ethanol diversion not the reason behind sugar price rise, says govt
Sugar prices rose from ₹48.18 per kg on July 20 to ₹55.70 per kg on August 20, but the government said the increase was not due to diversion of sugar for ethanol production.

Congress demands review of E20 move, says 'anti-people' fuel policy unacceptable to country
Congress criticizes the Modi government's E20 fuel policy for increasing inflation. The policy allegedly causes higher prices for essential food items like sugar and rice. Vehicle owners face reduced mileage and potential damage from the ethanol blend. The party demands an urgent review and non-ethanol fuel options for the public.

Congress Working Committee Resolution: Congress targets central government over youth, Ram Temple donations, China and E20
The Congress Working Committee adopted a resolution addressing key national concerns. Youth unemployment and numerous paper leaks were highlighted as critical issues. Allegations of financial irregularities in Ram temple donations were also raised. Concerns regarding Chinese incursions along the Line of Actual Control were voiced.

Akhilesh Yadav attacks Centre over E20 petrol, cites CEA's reported backing for E10
Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav questioned the government's stance on E20 petrol. He cited an economic adviser's reported concerns about potential vehicle damage. Yadav stated motorists face higher maintenance costs due to the new fuel blend. The government introduced E20 petrol to reduce emissions and oil imports.

India should bring back fuel with lower blend of ethanol, chief economic adviser says
CEA suggests offering a lower ethanol fuel blend. This move aims to address widespread consumer anger over the E20 fuel policy. Many car owners have voiced concerns about vehicle performance and potential damage. The adviser noted issues with older vehicles and rubber seals not rated for ethanol. New Delhi should protect the existing fleet while retrofitting programs catch up.

Choices aplenty for car buyers; petrol moves to slow lane as CNG, hybrids, EVs chip away at its share
In major Indian cities, the popularity of petrol cars is waning as consumers turn to CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicles. This is largely influenced by the allure of lower operational costs and superior fuel efficiency. To keep pace with this transformation, automobile manufacturers are diversifying their offerings to include various powertrain types, signaling a significant shift.

E20 petrol not sole reason for lower mileage, Centre says
The government clarified that vehicle mileage depends on many factors, not just fuel. Extensive testing confirms E20 petrol meets quality standards and is not contaminated. Motorists' concerns about fuel economy are being addressed by the ministry. Oil companies conducted inspections at numerous fuel stations nationwide. Real-world fuel consumption results from fuel, vehicle, and driving conditions.

Maruti, Tata, Mahindra raised E20 fuel contamination concerns, emails show
Automakers privately expressed concerns about E20 fuel contamination, citing chloride and moisture issues. This data emerged after the auto lobby withdrew a complaint to the government. Industry tests found high chloride and moisture levels in many fuel samples. These contaminants are reportedly harming vehicles and reducing performance.

"Did order come from PMO?": Arvind Kejriwal targets BJP over 'zombie drug' video claim linked to Punjab
Arvind Kejriwal accused BJP MPs of spreading falsehoods regarding a video purportedly from Punjab. The Punjab Police clarified the circulated video actually originated from Rajasthan. Kejriwal also criticised the Modi government's E20 fuel policy implementation. He stated the government suppresses voices critical of its fuel initiative. AAP advocates for transparency and consumer choice regarding fuel options.

Oil companies reject E20 fuel contamination claims, say nationwide tests found no quality issues
State-run oil companies have dismissed concerns regarding E20 petrol quality. Extensive nationwide testing found no evidence of excessive moisture or chloride contamination. Fuel quality consistently remained within prescribed standards across the entire supply chain. Isolated instances of elevated chloride levels were immediately addressed and rectified. Consumers can confidently use E20 petrol, which meets all quality specifications.
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