India's First Port-Based e-Methanol Plant Foundation at Kandla – 26 September 2026

What happened

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, along with Gujarat and Assam leadership, laid the foundation stone for India's first port-based e-methanol production facility at Kandla under Deendayal Port Authority. The project is planned with Assam Petro-Chemicals and is reported at about ₹2,300 crore investment to supply green fuel to ships.

Background

E-methanol is produced using renewable power, water and biogenic CO₂. Global shipping is under pressure to cut emissions; green methanol is one of the candidate marine fuels for Asia–Europe routes calling at Indian ports.

Why it matters for exams

Green shipping fuels, major ports and Centre–state industrial projects feature in Economy and Environment questions.

Key facts for exams

• Location: Kandla, Deendayal Port Authority, Gujarat
• Project: first port-based e-methanol plant in India
• Investment (reported): about ₹2,300 crore
• Capacity plan (reported): about 150 tonnes per day overall; Phase I ~50 TPD targeted around January 2027 and Phase II adding ~100 TPD by March 2027
• Partners: Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals (as reported)
• Minister: Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW)

Practice MCQs

1. India's first port-based e-methanol plant foundation in September 2026 was laid at which port?

   (A) Paradip
   (B) Kandla (Deendayal Port)
   (C) Tuticorin
   (D) Ennore

   Answer: (B) – Kandla / Deendayal Port Authority.

2. E-methanol for shipping is mainly promoted as a:

   (A) Nuclear fuel
   (B) Green / low-carbon marine fuel
   (C) Aviation turbine fuel only
   (D) Cooking gas blend

   Answer: (B) – Green marine fuel pathway.

3. Deendayal Port Authority is located in which state?

   (A) Maharashtra
   (B) Odisha
   (C) Gujarat
   (D) Kerala

   Answer: (C) – Kandla, Gujarat.

Source: Times of India / Akashvani / PIB-linked coverage, 26 September 2026.