Coal production from captive, commercial mines rises 32.5 pc
Commercial mining was introduced as part of the economic reforms process to attract more investment and better technology in the mining sector.
The Ministry of Coal has now launched roadshows for the 12th round of commercial coal mine auctions, expected to commence in the second week of March. The latest roadshow was launched in which the Ministry of Coal engaged with stakeholders. The event follows the successful roadshows held earlier in Kolkata and Mumbai for further reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing domestic coal production and ensuring energy security.
Last month a total of 70 bids were received for 20 coal mines out of 27 blocks put on auction in the 11th round of commercial coal auctions.
The Ministry of Coal successfully auctioned nine mines in November 2024. These mines are expected to generate an annual revenue of around Rs 1,446 crore, likely to attract a capital investment of around Rs 2,115 crore, and create 19,063 employment opportunities.
Cabinet body reviews projection of wheat production
Cabinet Committee on Essential Crops on Wednesday reviewed the projected wheat production and national requirements, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing the federal and provincial agricultural research system to enhance per-acre yield and overall farm productivity.
The meeting of the Cabinet Committee was held here under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister M. Ishaq Dar.
The Ministry of National Food Security & Research team was led by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and Federal secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry.
During the meeting, the committee’s report on the Wheat Policy for Rabi 2024-25 was presented, and a detailed review of the projected wheat production and national requirements was conducted.
Minister for National Food Security & Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, briefed the committee on the cultivated area for the current year and emphasized the importance of aligning agricultural strategies with domestic needs and farmers benefit.
OPEC+ from April 2025 will start increasing oil production
Eight Opec+ members have agreed to proceed with a plan to start increasing crude oil output starting in April 2025. Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Algeria, Kazakhstan and Oman have agreed to start reversing their 2.2 mbl/d voluntary output cuts over an 18-month period from April 2025 to September 2026. The plan also includes a 300 kb/d increase in the UAE’s production target over the same period.
Under the plan, the production targets of the eight members would rise by an average of 137 kb/d each month up to September 2026 (10.5 percent increase between April 2025 and the 38th ONOMM levels for most of Opec+ members, +16 percent for Saudi Arabia, +20 percent for the UAE). Opec+ said the decision took into account “healthy market fundamentals and the positive market outlook”, however, the group stressed that the return of the cut production would be “gradual and flexible” and “adaptable to evolving conditions”.
In 2024 U.S. natural gas-directed rigs decreased for second consecutive year
The number of rigs deployed to drill for natural gas in the United States decreased over the last two years. U.S. natural gas-directed rigs decreased 32 percent (50 rigs) between December 2022 and December 2024. This decline has been concentrated in the natural gas-rich Haynesville and Appalachia regions, where the combined natural gas rig count declined by 34 percent during 2023 (43 rigs) and by 24 percent during 2024 (21 rigs). The decline in drilling rigs coincides with record-low natural gas prices for most of 2024 and the wider adoption of advanced drilling and completion technologies.
In the Haynesville region, which spans Texas and Louisiana, drilling costs tend to be higher than in other plays because Haynesville wells are drilled to greater depths, usually between 10,500 feet and 13,500 feet deep. As natural gas prices have generally declined over the last two years, rigs in the Haynesville have decreased 55 percent since December 2022 (39 rigs) as drilling has become less economical.
Use of solar energy in Assam’s tea gardens
For centuries, Assam’s tea gardens have been synonymous with lush greenery, rolling plantations, and the rich aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves. The industry has been the backbone of the state’s economy, employing millions and contributing significantly to India’s tea exports. However, despite its prominence, Assam’s tea industry has long grappled with one persistent challenge of high energy costs.
Tea processing is an energy-intensive activity, with factories operating at full capacity from April to November and scaling down from December to March. The fluctuating power demand results in increased operational costs, as estates must rely heavily on conventional electricity sources.
Sugar production drops 14 pc
Sugar production between October 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025 touched 219.78 lakh tonne, which is 14 percent less than the sugar produced during the same period during the 2023-2024 sugar season.
According to the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association, sugar production after diversion for ethanol from October 1, 2023 to February 28, 2024 was 256.16 lakh tonnes.
Sugar production between October 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025 touched 219.78 lakh tonne, which is 14 percent less than the sugar produced during the same period during the 2023-2024 sugar season.
According to the Indian Sugar and Bio Energy Manufacturers Association, sugar production after diversion for ethanol from October 1, 2023 to February 28, 2024 was 256.16 lakh tonnes.
Sugarcane farmers, mills in Tamil Nadu seek measures to revive sector
The Association said that while totally 466 sugar factories were operating as of February 28 last year, only 355 were in operation now.