Integrated Annual Report 2024-25
Integrated Annual Report 2024-25
Intellectual
Harness the power of digital and innovation to future-proof the business:
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"From pioneering catalysts, clean fuels and carbon capture tech to AI-driven operations and indigenous pipeline tools, IndianOil’s R&D focus remained on efficiency, sustainability and self- reliance. Strategic collaborations and digital systems further accelerated innovation from lab to market."
Dr Alok Sharma
Director (Research & Development)
What underpins IndianOil’s journey as the nation’s largest integrated energy major is a strong foundation of intellectual capital, powered by cutting-edge innovation, engineering excellence and a future-ready mindset. Our business model is perpetually adaptive to pivotal shifts in the global energy landscape. By nurturing a formidable talent pipeline and promoting a culture of continuous learning and innovation, IndianOil remains committed to delivering smart, sustainable energy solutions that create enduring value for our customers, stakeholders and the nation.
Our R&D efforts and major innovation initiatives during 2024-25 translated into tangible value across refining, petrochemicals, pipelines, marketing and clean energy. We advanced numerous in-house technologies and solutions, each aligned to enhance efficiency, reduce dependencies and support sustainable growth. In addition to core R&D activities, all divisions are actively implementing various innovation initiatives to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption and support sustainable practices.
Developing lubricants for alternative fuels, advanced carbon materials, hydrogen production and catalysts for COTC, drop-in fuels and CO2 conversion.
Advancing bioenergy, bioplastics, chemical recycling differentiated products, clean mobility, energy efficiency and reuse of catalysts and additives
Innovating in lubricants, additives, refining and petrochemical catalysts, specialty chemicals and fuel transport systems—right from lab-scale to market readiness
Our in-depth and extensive R&D consistently focuses on delivering eco-friendly solutions while enhancing profitability for its divisions through cutting-edge research and strategic collaborations.
Patents filed as of March 31, 2025
New lubricant formulations
OEM approvals
We commissioned the 300 KTPA indDSK® unit at Paradip Refinery to produce low-sulphur Pipeline Compatible Kerosene (PCK), enabling smooth pipeline transfers. At Bongaigaon Refinery, we successfully commissioned our mixed metal oxide-based IV-IZOMaxCat® catalyst, which delivered high isomerate yield and octane performance at reactor inlet temperatures of over 100°C, a notable improvement over the previous catalyst.
The Catalyst Manufacturing Unit (CMU) at Panipat Refinery commenced continuous production of FCC catalyst additives and hydrotreating catalysts. These are now meeting internal demand and enhancing our self-reliance in critical refining inputs. We also implemented advanced diagnostic systems for failure analysis and residual life assessment, strengthening the reliability of refinery and pipeline assets.
To further support domestic capability building, we signed a Heads of Agreement with Süd-Chemie India Pvt. Ltd. (SCIL) to establish a Joint Venture Company for the manufacture and supply of INDMAX catalysts.
We have achieved top-tier performance with our in-house i-ZN22 catalyst that is used in polypropylene production at Paradip Refinery. The catalyst outperformed commercial variants in both efficiency and catalyst mileage.
During 2024-25, we inspected over 4,500 Km of pipelines using our in-house developed INDScan® iPIG tools — marking the highest-ever achievement in a single year. We also commercialised our in-house developed XtraFlo® Drag Reducing Agent (DRA), significantly reducing reliance on imported DRAs. XtraFlo® is now being supplied to other pipeline operators such as HPCL, BPCL and HMEL.
Two in-house developed nano-additised products were launched, Propane Plus©, a green fuel designed for industrial applications and XtraBoost©, an enhanced version of AutoGas. Additionally, a specialised coating solution, NanoKoat-I®, was introduced to provide superior corrosion protection, particularly effective in coastal environments.
Our R&D initiatives have developed eCo2Sorb, a carbon capture technology that has been validated at the pilot scale, with a large-scale demonstration currently underway at a fertiliser plant. Additionally, we successfully developed and tested Agri-Elite technology, which produces premium-quality manure and bio-fertiliser from CBG plants and StubVorous®, a microbial blend for in-situ decomposition of crop residue through field trials. Broader demonstration and commercialisation efforts for these technologies are in progress.
We drive innovation through strategic partnerships with leading academic and research institutions, including IITs, by undertaking joint research projects that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. The Company supports innovation hubs and incubators, providing a platform for startups and researchers to develop and commercialise best-in-class technologies. We also provide funding and grants to academic institutions for targeted research initiatives, accelerating the development and deployment of innovative solutions.
42
Startups incubated
86
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) Created from Startups
IndianOil signed MoUs to bolster innovation and technology development. These include partnerships with INEOS (UK) for catalyst qualification, Simpson & Co. for ED5 fuel and lubricant development and Shiv Nadar University for speciality product R&D.
MoUs were also signed with Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) for industry-academia collaboration, Centre for High Technology (CHT) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for pyrolysis oil development and the Indian Biogas Association for joint sustainability initiatives.
Non-Binding MoU between IndianOil and Oil India for Cooperation in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
We ensure transparency and efficiency in our procurement processes through a fully digitised, end-to-end mechanism. Tender details are published online through e-tendering portals, where bidder participation is electronically recorded. On finalisation, award documents such as Purchase Orders or Contracts are generated online and shared with the selected vendor. These vendors are subsequently registered in IndianOil’s ERP system (SAP), which records details of delivered items, pricing, timelines and payment transactions. This digital integration enables comprehensive MIS generation and robust audit trails to support internal governance and Ministry-level reporting.
Advanced data analytics are being applied to improve cost visibility and control across operations. In our refineries and operating locations, we are deploying AI and machine learning for predictive maintenance to enhance asset reliability and reduce downtime.
We follow a structured, goal-driven approach to evaluating emerging technologies. Every initiative begins with clearly defined business objectives and measurable KPIs. We first conduct small-scale pilots or Proofs of Concept to assess feasibility and impact. Based on these outcomes, we proceed with full-scale implementation only when business alignment and performance are validated.
The Indian consumer landscape is rapidly evolving due to a substantial increase in digital penetration in society and unprecedented access to information across the socio-economic spectrum.
In line with changing times, we are modernising our user interface and experience of our customer-facing applications to improve accessibility and satisfaction. We have strengthened our customer-facing operations by upgrading our mission-critical SDMS-CRM application, hosted on the Oracle Siebel platform to the latest version. This upgrade has significantly improved delivery speed, platform stability and security, enabling us to meet evolving business requirements more efficiently.
At IndianOil, sensitive data is managed through a structured, multi-layered approach. This includes data classification, role-based access controls and encryption both at rest and in transit. The infrastructure is secured with next-generation firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and anti-malware tools. A core principle across all applications is data minimisation. Only essential data is collected, processed and stored, reducing risks, improving efficiency and enhancing privacy.
To safeguard our digital ecosystem, we have reinforced security measures through the implementation of Managed Detection and Response (MDR) systems. We are also applying AI-based cybersecurity tools to protect critical assets across the organisation.
We have adopted a multi-layered approach to data security and privacy, embedding it across all IT operations.
Establishing clear and concise policies and a governance framework
Defining roles, responsibilities and procedures to manage data securely across all IT functions.
Implementing strong technical safeguards
Deploying advanced security tools, encryption, access controls and intrusion detection systems to protect data infrastructure.
Promoting a security-aware culture
Conducting regular employee training and awareness programmes to build vigilance against threats such as phishing, malware and social engineering.
Ensuring regulatory compliance and conducting regular audits
Aligning with applicable data protection laws and industry standards, supported by periodic internal and external security audits.
