Centre Expands GHG Emission Intensity Rules To Refineries, Three Other Sectors

New Delhi, Jan 20 (KNN) Months after adding four high-emission sectors to its green house gas (GHG) intensity reduction framework, the Centre has extended the regime to petroleum refineries, petrochemicals, textiles and secondary aluminium to meet emission targets by 2026–27, with 2023–24 as the baseline.

The rules notified last week by the Environment Ministry require 208 industrial units nationwide to reduce GHG emissions per unit of output from FY26, with financial penalties for non-compliance, reported The Times Of India.

The additional sectors are now covered under the Greenhouse Gases Emission Intensity Target (Amendment) Rules, 2023. Of the 208 units included, 173 are textile units, with the remainder comprising 21 refineries, 11 petrochemical units and three secondary aluminium units.

Major public sector enterprises such as ONGC, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum and Numaligarh Refinery, along with private sector majors including Reliance Industries, fall within the scope of the petroleum refinery and petrochemicals segments.

GHG emission intensity targets, measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, are pro-rated for FY26. Covered industries must cut intensity by 3–7 percent by FY27 versus 2023–24, with compliance tied to output rather than absolute emissions.

If an industrial unit misses its emission intensity target or fails to submit sufficient carbon credit certificates, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will levy an environmental penalty. The fine will equal twice the average carbon credit trading price for that year and must be paid within 90 days of the order.

The emission intensity targets support India’s long-term aim of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 and are expected to help fulfil the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement by reducing, removing, or avoiding greenhouse gas emissions in energy-intensive sectors.

(KNN Bureau)