September 25, 2018 | Kuwait Petroleum Finds The Going Tough: The perceived vibrancy of India’s petroleum market throws up surprises. Kuwait Petroleum which two decades ago dumped the 15 million tonne per annum joint venture refinery project at Paradip is finding it difficult to re-enter the Indian market. Bina Refinery does not seem keen to have it as partner. To enter Bina, it will have to outbid others, a costly proposition. There was a time when Indian PSU refineries desperately tried to woo foreign investors, but today they are being wooed by oil majors not only from the Middle East but also from the West. Russia is already in and is planning to consolidate its position by expanding its refinery and the marketing network. Vladimir Putin’s reflexes are sharper than others’. Click Free Access Column Petro Intelligence to read an exciting report.

Will India get at least a limited waiver from the sanctions against Iran? It should because it is in the interest of the US. ONGC’s decision to reject Venezuela’ offer of additional equity in the existing E&P joint venture looks unimaginative. It is difficult to quantify the political and economic fallout of rising fuel prices. These are among the five exclusive reports in column Policy.

US crude is slightly cheaper, but it cannot be processed neat and needs to be blended. Contrary to popular perception, ethanol consumes more energy than it delivers. Who then benefit by the hike in the procurement price of ethanol? These are among the four comprehensive reports in column Regulation.