INTRODUCTION
The International Symposium on Fuels and Lubricants (ISFL) series of symposia is held biennially with the objective of providing a common platform for sharing the latest developments, exchange ideas and forge new business relationships. This symposium also showcases the progress and advancement of Indian fuels and lubricants industry. The last seven symposia, ISFL-1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010 were successfully organized by the Research1 and Development Centre of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, India’s premier oil refining and marketing company. The 7^th ISFL which was organized in association with SAE-India in March 2010, had a central theme “Advances in Fuels and Lubricants” . During the symposium, 110 technical papers presented by eminent scientists, industry leaders, OEMs, academicians and policy makers related to the latest advancements in the areas of fuels and lubricants. Over 500 delegates including 47 from overseas representing 15 countries participated in this event.

The 8^th Symposium in the series, i.e., ISFL-2012 will be organized during March 5-7, 2012, in Habitat World at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India. The theme of this symposium is "Advances in Fuels, Lubricants and Alternatives". This symposium will cover latest developments in the area of fuels and lubricants. Special emphasis will be given to novel refinery processes / catalysts for producing cleaner fuels meeting Euro-IV/V beyond specifications, alternative fuels etc. Specific technical sessions will be planned on the utilization of gaseous fuels like LPG & natural gas (CNG & LNG), hydrogen (production, storage, transportation and applications including fuel cells etc.) and bio-fuels. Like the previous ones, this symposium is also expected to be attended by more than 500 delegates from petroleum industry, auto manufacturers, environmentalists and from other allied industries.