The International Symposium on Fuels and Lubricants (ISFL) series of International Symposia, now being conducted biennially, are held with the objective of showcasing the progress and advancement of Indian downstream hydrocarbon industries. The last six symposia, ISFL-1997, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008 were successfully organized by the Research and Development Centre of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, India's premier oil refining and marketing company. The 6th ISFL which was organized in association with SAEIndia in 2008 had a central theme as "Fuels and Lubricants: Evolving Trends for Sustainable Development". In this symposium, renewable and eco-friendly energy options of bio-fuels and hydrogen energy were discussed in detail in addition to latest aspects of fuels and lubricants. It also addressed some of the future challenges in the lubricant technology area such as gas engine oils, use of nano tribology and modern grease manufacturing. Over 500 delegates representing 20 countries, participated in this event, including 45 overseas delegates. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Hon'ble former President of India during the IndianOil R&D foundation day lecture, had given an overview of Energy Scenario and stressed on the need to have complete value chain for bio-diesel. Thus, ISFL has become an ideal platform for downstream hydrocarbon industry where related technocrats, scientists, engineers, researchers, academicians and policy makers get ample opportunities to exchange ideas and forge business relationships.

ISFL 2010, The 7th Symposium in the series i.e., ISFL-2010 will be organized during March 9-12, 2010, in Habitat World at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, India. The theme of this symposium is “Advances in Fuels and Lubricants”. This event will coincide with 38th Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s R&D Centre.

The symposium will address the advances in downstream hydrocarbon sector with special emphasis to novel refinery processes/catalysts for producing cleaner fuels meeting Euro-IV beyond specifications, alternate fuels etc. Besides technical sessions on various lubricant technology areas, sessions are being planned on the utilization of gaseous fuels such as LPG & natural gas (CNG & LNG), hydrogen (production, storage, transportation and applications including fuel cells etc.).

In line with the international trends, there are plans to conduct technical sessions on “Advanced Engine Technologies”, “Life Cycle Management of Lubricants”, “Environmental concerns of Fuels and Lubricants with special emphasis on REACH” and “Market Dynamics in Fuels & Lubricant Business”. Similar to the previous ones, this symposium is also expected to be attended by around 600 delegates from related fields of hydrocarbon industry, auto makers, environmentalists etc. Major policy makers from Indian government are also expected to participate and present nation’s vision & views on various contemporary issues.