MAY, 20259The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) says that it will approve new or expanded LNG terminals separately in India. The new rule is part of the Registration for Establishing and Operating Liquefied Natural Gas Terminals Regulations, 2025 and serves to improve LNG infrastructure for India's new energy strategy.This move allows the LNG industry to plan its growth more efficiently by eliminating the earlier requirement to reserve 20% of terminal volume for third-party use."These regulations lay down a robust framework focused on registration and oversight of LNG terminals, (and) promotion of competition among entities and prevention of infructuous investments," the regulator said, reinforcing the government's strategy to increase natural gas share to 15% in the energy mix by 2030.Now, companies need PNGRB's consent before deciding to invest in a natural gas project, whether for a new project or an expansion. It will be assessed regarding competition, keeping customers protected, adequate supply of natural gas and whether the evacuation facility is well-prepared.Even when opening gas infrastructure to others, the rules guarantee reliable supplies, access for all and sufficient resources for each region. The clear guidelines should help more investors put money into LNG terminals and contribute to India's future energy security and sustainability. PNGRB APPROVAL NOW MANDATORY FOR NEW AND EXPANDED LNG IMPORT TERMINALSINDIA REVIEWS US PUSH TO EASE ETHANOL IMPORT RESTRICTIONSIndia is weighing a U.S. appeal to relax ethanol import restrictions as part of wider trade talks to stave off punitive tariffs. Washington is pursuing access to India's biofuel market, in the form of blending gasoline with ethanol--a departure from existing Indian regulations of importing ethanol for non-fuel purposes, favoring domestic production.The negotiations follow India's efforts to negotiate an early trade agreement. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced that New Delhi proposed eliminating all the tariffs on US products, although Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar later explained that there were ongoing discussions. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will soon visit the U.S. to hold discussions.American farmers, with the support of organizations such as the National Corn Growers Association, are pushing for corn-derived goods such as ethanol to be part of the deal. Vice President JD Vance has denounced India's trade-restricting practices, terming the market "essentially closed off."Though opening the market to U.S. exporters might be good for them, Indian authorities fear such an action would throw a spanner into the works in trying to reduce energy imports. India, the third-biggest oil-consuming nation globally, reached almost 20% blending of gasoline with ethanol in February--five years ahead of schedule to meet its 2030 target. The government expects biofuels from domestic sources like sugarcane juice, corn, and grains that are rotten to improve energy security.There are also concerns regarding the effect on Indian farmers and local ethanol producers. The government has promoted a move away from water-guzzling crops to substitutes such as corn. State-owned oil refiners worry that American suppliers may first sell inexpensive ethanol to corner the market before raising prices later. India's oil ministry is estimating refiners will increase purchases of ethanol by almost 50% this year to 10 billion liters. TOP STORIESMAY, 20259· PNGRB nod made mandatory for new or expanded LNG terminals.· 20% third-party access rule scrapped for more flex-ibility.· Push towards 15% gas mix goal by 2030 with better supply and competition.
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