TruAlt Bioenergy Secures Oil Marketing Company (OMC) Status, Set to Launch Retail Flex Fuel Network
PNN
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 12: In a landmark development for India's energy transition, TruAlt Bioenergy Limited, India's largest ethanol producer and one of the country's leading integrated biofuels companies, has been officially granted authorisation as an Oil Marketing Company (OMC). Leveraging its strengths in ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG), TruAlt is now authorised to directly market clean fuels like ethanol and Bio-CNG, along with retailing Motor Spirit (Petrol) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) across India, marking a strategic entry into the country's fuel retailing sector.
As one of the first private biofuel companies in India to receive this authorisation, TruAlt now joins an exclusive league of players licensed to market and retail petroleum products across the country. This recognition affirms the company's robust manufacturing capabilities and leadership in driving India's clean energy transition, empowering it to offer a seamless retail experience that integrates both biofuels and conventional fuels.
TruAlt Bioenergy's entry into the fuel retail sector is both timely and transformational. Backed by its deep manufacturing strengths in ethanol and Bio-CNG, TruAlt will offer a unique retail experience that blends conventional and renewable fuels under one roof, including petrol, diesel, E93, Bio-CNG, EV charging points and battery swapping facilities. This future-ready model aligns with India's broader vision for energy security, clean mobility and decentralised fuel access.
Under its OMC authorisation, TruAlt Bioenergy is committed to ensuring inclusive fuel access by establishing at least 5% of its retail outlets in notified remote areas, advancing the government's goal of last-mile energy connectivity. In the initial rollout, the company plans to launch over 100 strategically located fuel stations in Karnataka and Maharashtra, creating a robust retail network that will cater to both conventional fuels and next-generation blended alternatives, including ethanol and Bio-CNG. This expansion is expected to generate employment opportunities for over 2,000 people across urban and rural regions, contributing meaningfully to local economies and supporting India's broader energy transition goals.
Commenting on the milestone, Vijay Nirani, Managing Director of TruAlt Bioenergy, said, "Securing OMC status marks a defining step in TruAlt Bioenergy's growth journey. This milestone enables us to directly serve India's evolving fuel needs while accelerating the shift toward cleaner energy. While our retail network will support conventional fuels, our greater focus will be on integrating biofuels and expanding rural outreach.
By setting up outlets across high-demand corridors and remote regions, we aim to drive rural development, generate local employment, and help build a more inclusive and sustainable energy infrastructure for the country. Farmers have always been at the heart of our model. By sourcing agri-residue and biomass directly from rural communities, we are creating value at the grassroots while powering clean energy solutions like ethanol and Bio-CNG. Through this circular approach from farm to fuel and back to farm, we are returning health to the soil and wealth to the farmer, making sustainability economically empowering."
As a vertically integrated player, TruAlt Bioenergy commands a 7% market share in molasses-based ethanol and 3.7% in overall ethanol supply, making it a key pillar of India's Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP). With rapid expansion underway in compressed biogas (CBG) production, the company is also poised to become one of the largest Bio-CNG producers in the country, further strengthening its leadership in the clean fuels segment.
This milestone comes at a time when India's fuel economy is undergoing a structural transformation driven by rising energy consumption, expanding mobility, and a decisive national shift toward cleaner alternatives. In FY 2024-25, the country recorded its highest-ever petroleum product consumption at 239.5 million metric tonnes (MMT), led by 7.5% growth in petrol, 8.9% in aviation turbine fuel (ATF), and steady gains in LPG and diesel. Over the past decade, petrol consumption has grown at a CAGR of 7.7%, reflecting the surge in personal mobility. The diesel-to-petrol ratio has dropped from 3.6 to 2.3, underscoring a clear shift in consumer preferences and offering a major inflexion point for next-generation fuel retail.
"With over 2.5 crore cars sold annually, surpassing the population of many countries, India's appetite for mobility is growing at an extraordinary pace. This is our moment to shape a retail network that fuels today's growth while powering the transition to a cleaner, more intelligent, and purpose-driven mobility ecosystem," Nirani further added.
India's biofuel programme is also gaining scale at an unprecedented pace. Ethanol blending in petrol has surged to 18.4% in the current ethanol supply year (ESY 2024-25), with a record 19.7% blending achieved in February 2025, bringing the country within striking distance of its 20% target. This rapid progress is opening up new opportunities for companies with integrated biofuel capabilities, especially as flex-fuel vehicles and E20-ready infrastructure become mainstream.
In line with its strategy to move up the biofuels value chain and tap into high-growth global markets, TruAlt Bioenergy is actively advancing its entry into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and intends to set up a facility with an annual capacity of 10 crore litres. This is likely to position the company as one of the world's largest producers of SAF from ethanol, while also placing India at the forefront of global sustainable aviation efforts.
About TruAlt Bioenergy Limited:
TruAlt Bioenergy Limited is one of India's largest and most forward-looking biofuel producers, playing a pivotal role in the country's transition toward clean and sustainable energy. Positioned as a diversified leader in the bioenergy sector, the company operates five distilleries based on sugarcane juice and molasses, with a combined ethanol production capacity of 2,000 KLPD, making it the largest ethanol producer in India.
TruAlt is also among the early adopters of Compressed Biogas (CBG) under the Government of India's SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative. Through its subsidiary, Leafiniti Bioenergy Private Limited, the company operates CBG plants, which also generates solid and liquid fermented organic manure (FOM) as by-products supporting circular agriculture and waste-to-energy innovation.
With its integrated biofuels platform, strategic infrastructure and a commitment to rural value creation, TruAlt Bioenergy is shaping the next phase of India's green energy landscape delivering scale, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
For more information or media enquiries, please contact:
- Ms. Shivaaneey Rai, TruAlt Bioenergy
- +91-9545850823 / avpcomms@trualtbioenergy.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
After Mumbra accident, state begins work on unified bus network for MMR
MUMBAI: Twelve days after the accident on a crowded local train near Mumbra that killed five passengers and left nine injured, the state government has initiated steps to address one of the root causes: the lack of reliable public transport alternatives. In a bid to reduce pressure on the suburban rail system, a long-pending plan to integrate bus operations across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) is finally underway. 'At a time when the government is focused on building metro rail lines, there must also be a push to improve bus services,' said AV Shenoy, member of the Mumbai Mobility Forum. 'Integrated and frequent bus services can help ease pressure on suburban trains and serve as effective feeders to metro and railway stations.' (Hindustan Times) For the first time, authorities are mapping and consolidating routes run by various municipal transport undertakings—BEST, Thane Municipal Transport (TMT), Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT), Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Transport (KDMT), and others—across Greater Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ambernath, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar and Ulhasnagar. A special committee comprising senior officials from these municipal corporations and transport agencies has been formed and held its second meeting on Friday. The committee is tasked with drawing up a unified operational blueprint to streamline services, reduce duplication, improve frequency, and address long passenger wait times—especially on inter-city routes where different undertakings currently operate in silos. Mapping, integration and route optimisation 'We are looking at three crucial aspects,' said SVR Srinivas, general manager of the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, which is playing a lead role in the initiative. 'The first is identifying all the bus routes in the MMR that connect Mumbai with neighbouring cities like Navi Mumbai and Thane. This will help prevent duplication and allow us to plan bus schedules in a coordinated manner.' For instance, the BEST-operated AC-700 from Borivali to Thane via Mira Road overlaps with Route 65-AC operated by TMT. Under the unified framework, schedules will be synchronised to minimise wait times and optimise frequency across these overlapping corridors. At present, passengers using intercity buses often wait 45–60 minutes between services, and multiple buses from different undertakings may ply the same route within minutes of each other—highlighting the inefficiencies of the current system. The committee is collecting data on fleet strength, route networks, frequency (headway), and timetables. An integrated route map and master timetable are in the works. One network, shared assets Apart from synchronising bus schedules, the committee is also exploring shared use of infrastructure—such as depots, bus stations (especially near railway terminals), electric charging stations, and CNG refuelling points. There is also a plan to share best practices in maintenance and repair using new technologies. Once a detailed analysis is complete, the committee will recommend fare rationalisation across services to ensure affordability and consistency for passengers travelling across municipal limits. 'In the current scenario, each undertaking plans independently. Our goal is to unify operations so that passengers benefit from a truly regional transport system,' said another senior official involved in the initiative. A necessary shift beyond metro ambitions Transport experts have long argued that while Mumbai's metro expansion grabs headlines, surface transport like buses plays an equally crucial role, especially in last-mile connectivity. 'At a time when the government is focused on building metro rail lines, there must also be a push to improve bus services,' said AV Shenoy, member of the Mumbai Mobility Forum. 'Integrated and frequent bus services can help ease pressure on suburban trains and serve as effective feeders to metro and railway stations.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
India to become fourth-largest EV producer by 2030: Report
India's electric four-wheeler manufacturing capacity is projected to grow tenfold to 2.5 million units by 2030, from 0.2 million units currently, according to new research by Rhodium Group. This expansion would make India the fourth-largest electric vehicle (EV) producer globally, following China, the European Union, and the United States. The report, part of Rhodium's Global Clean Investment Monitor , notes that India's manufacturing capacity is expected to exceed domestic demand by 1.1–2.1 million units over the next five years. The report suggests this surplus may create an opportunity for exports but also cautions that Indian automakers will need to reduce costs to compete with Chinese manufacturers. 'This far exceeds India's projected 2030 EV demand (which likely reaches anywhere from 430,000 to 1.4 million vehicles depending on the pace of policy and battery costs), suggesting the potential for future exports,' Rhodium said. 'This push aligns with the government's strategy to ' Make in India for the world ', but Indian companies will need to drive down costs if they want to compete with exports from China.' Domestic sales and global rankings India's domestic EV car demand is projected to reach between 430,000 and 1.4 million units by 2030, up from around 100,000 in 2024. With total car sales currently estimated at 6 million units, this implies an EV penetration rate of 7–23 per cent in the passenger vehicle segment. In the last financial year, domestic manufacturers Tata Motors, MG Motor, and Mahindra accounted for nearly 90 per cent of EV sales, based on Vahan dashboard data. India's projected capacity of 2.5 million units by 2030 will follow China's 29 million, the EU's 9 million, and the US's 6 million units. Rhodium's report notes that India will lead all other countries outside of these three markets, surpassing Japan and South Korea in anticipated production capacity. Japan and South Korea currently have operational capacities of 1.1 million and 500,000 units respectively. Their 2030 capacity is expected to reach 1.4 million and 1.9 million units, respectively. Policy approach and battery production Rhodium Group notes that India's EV sector growth is being shaped by a combination of industrial policy, market incentives, and trade protection measures. Consumer subsidies are linked to localisation requirements, and incentives have been provided to manufacturers of EV components and advanced batteries. India has also introduced measures to expand charging infrastructure. To protect local production, India maintains import tariffs of 70–100 per cent on fully built EVs. 'This protective stance has helped domestic production grow but also limits consumer choice and raises costs. Nearly 100 per cent of India's EV manufacturing is for its domestic market,' the report added. The report also highlights India's position in battery module manufacturing, noting that the country is set to become the largest module producer outside China, the US, and Europe. While cell production capacity will still trail major markets such as China, Europe, the US, and Canada by 2030, it is projected to exceed that of South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and others. India's EV penetration rate stood at 2 per cent in 2024. In comparison, Vietnam's rate rose from 3 per cent in 2022 to 17 per cent in 2024, led by local automaker VinFast.
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Bajaj Freedom 125 becomes affordable by ₹5,000
₹5,000 data-item-target-url=/auto/two-wheelers/ data-item-story-segment=Mass Vehicles> Bajaj Freedom 125 is the first CNG-powered motorcycle in the world. Check Offers Bajaj Auto has announced a discount of ₹ 5,000 on its Freedom 125. This information was announced on the brand's social media. It is important to note that this price drop is applicable only to the NG04 drum variant, which is the base variant of the motorcycle. It is important to note that Bajaj has not announced that this is a permanent price drop, so the discount offer will go away after some time. The Freedom 125 CNG motorcycle is equipped with a 125 cc conventional petrol engine that is coupled with a CNG tank located beneath the seat. The 2 kg CNG tank, in conjunction with a 2-litre petrol tank, results in a slightly increased weight compared to other 125 cc models. This engine is capable of producing 9.4 bhp and 9.7 Nm of maximum torque. Also Read : Upcoming bikes in India According to Bajaj, the Freedom 125 significantly reduces operating expenses by as much as 50 per cent when compared to traditional 125 cc petrol motorcycles. The manufacturer asserts that the mileage of the CNG motorcycle is 102 km/kg when operating on CNG and 64 kmpl when using petrol. Bajaj also claims that the Freedom 125 can travel up to 200 km solely on CNG, while the petrol tank contributes an additional 130 km, resulting in a combined range of 330 km. Watch: Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike review: Can it trigger a revolution in two-wheelers? The Bajaj Freedom 125 showcases remarkable innovation in its design. This 125 cc CNG motorcycle features a horizontally positioned engine, complemented by a trellis frame that safeguards the CNG tank located beneath the seat. Its bi-fuel capability allows the bike to operate on both fuel types, equipped with a 2 kg CNG tank and a 2-litre petrol tank for reserve use. Weighing in at 147.8 kg (kerb), the bike is marginally heavier compared to other 125 cc models. Also Read : Here are five bikes that offer the best mileage, from Bajaj Freedom to Hero Splendor Plus In terms of features, the Bajaj Freedom 125 is equipped with an LED headlamp, telescopic front forks, and a monolink suspension system at the rear. Additionally, the top variant includes a digital instrument console with Bluetooth connectivity. The seat height measures 825 mm, which is elevated because of the CNG cylinder located directly beneath the seat. Although the quilted stitching is designed to enhance comfort, the model does not provide adequate under-thigh support. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 20 Jun 2025, 09:41 AM IST
