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HPCL calls for electricity tariff reforms to improve EV charging viability in India

By Eve

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) has urged Indian authorities to reform electricity tariffs, reduce demand charges and accelerate power connections to improve the economics of public EV charging infrastructure. Executive director Debasish Basak said DC fast chargers require utilisation of 15 to 25% to achieve attractive returns, depending on tariffs and costs. HPCL operates 5,826 charging facilities (2,180 AC slow chargers and 3,656 DC fast chargers) and targets around 6,000 chargers by the end of FY27, having added 640 chargers last financial year and 541 between April and September this year.

Why it matters

The call from a major state backed oil company highlights persistent challenges around charging infrastructure economics in India, where high electricity costs and low utilisation threaten network expansion. HPCL's recommendations for coordinated tariff reviews and grid connection reforms could shape future procurement terms and operating models for CPOs across the market.

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Original title
“HPCL seeks tariff reforms to improve EV charging viability”
Published
15 October 2026
Updated
16 October 2026

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