India has diversified its LPG imports by sourcing from the US, Iran, Argentina, Chile, France, and the Netherlands to reduce dependence on the Middle East following energy supply disruptions. Despite rising global prices, domestic consumers were shielded, though commercial users saw significant price hikes, leading to substantial losses for fuel retailers.
India is expanding its tax exemption to gasoline containing 22% to 30% ethanol, aiming to reduce its heavy reliance on imported crude oil amid ongoing Middle East conflicts and disruptions to key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz. This move supports the government's strategy to enhance energy security, promote cleaner energy, and boost farmer incomes.
Chinese researchers have cloned a second major high-protein gene, THP3-T, from wild corn. This discovery aims to increase corn's protein content, reducing China's heavy reliance on imported soybean meal for animal feed.
Egypt's non-oil private sector remains in contraction, with rising input costs and falling demand leading to price hikes and job cuts. Experts cite import reliance and insufficient government measures to combat imported inflation.
India faces pressure from the EU and US to adopt data exclusivity in trade deals, but a GTRI report warns this could harm its agrochemical industry. Such provisions would create extended monopolies, delay generic pesticide approvals, increase import reliance, and raise costs for farmers, potentially undermining a key export sector.
