SUPPLY DISRUPTIONS
India LPG consumption slides 13% amid West Asia conflict
India's LPG consumption plummeted by 13% in March due to West Asia conflict-induced supply disruptions. Despite government efforts to boost domestic production and meet household demand, commercial and bulk sales saw significant drops. However, overall LPG consumption for the fiscal year ending March 2026 still registered a 6% increase.
Aluminium prices at record highs: What’s driving the rally and what’s next?
Aluminium prices have surged to multi-year highs, driven by strong demand, supply constraints, and rising energy costs. Geopolitical tensions and declining inventories have added volatility and a risk premium. With China’s demand robust and supply tight, the outlook remains firm, though risks from easing tensions or slowdown persist.
Pakistan power cuts deepen as hydropower slump hits supply
Pakistan faces a doubled electricity shortfall this week. Hydropower output has significantly decreased. This situation has led to extended power outages in northern Pakistan. The country had anticipated minimal impact from LNG supply disruptions. However, the decline in hydropower has worsened the power deficit. Pakistan is relying on fuel oil and expects hydropower to recover.
Why are oil and gas prices down today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, Dutch and British wholesale gas rates continue to decline or rise again? Analysts insights and market outlook
Why are oil and gas prices down today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, Dutch and British wholesale gas rates continue to decline or rise again? Oil and gas markets moved lower after ceasefire signals and possible US-Iran talks raised hopes of reduced conflict risk. Brent and WTI dropped while European gas also declined. Analysts say supply disruptions still support prices, while weather, wind power and geopolitics will guide the next move.
Aluminium and copper to stay elevated, steel risky: CLSA's top metals and cement calls for FY27
Base metals like aluminium and copper present significant opportunities, according to CLSA India's Indrajit Agarwal. Steel faces near-term downside risks. Aluminium prices are expected to rise due to supply disruptions and increasing demand. Cement sector anticipates earnings pressure now, with recovery expected later in the fiscal year. Indian producers have a cost advantage in non-ferrous metals.
Anticipating the inevitable: What India must learn from prepared economies in an age of recurring crisis
Global markets are reacting to the expectation of disruption. Countries that prepare for crises in calm times fare better. China and Russia show how foresight builds resilience. India must embed anticipation into policy. This crisis is a warning for a volatile world. Strategic resilience is cultivated before shocks arrive. The test of statecraft is the discipline to be less surprised.
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Oil falls on prospects for talks to end Iran war and revive supply
Oil prices dipped as a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect, fueling optimism for an end to the Middle East conflict. President Trump indicated potential talks with Iran over the weekend, following Tehran's offer regarding nuclear weapons. This development comes as analysts estimate significant oil supply disruptions due to the Strait of Hormuz closure.

India's crude imports down 21%; Russia tops, Iran gains
Iran supplied about 4 million barrels in April, or 7% of total imports, resuming shipments to India after seven years. However, a US naval blockade of Iranian ports, currently underway, could constrain further supplies this month.

West Asia War: India’s BBB rating seen stable despite energy shock; S&P flags corporate stress, weaker credit growth
West Asia War: India's sovereign rating remains stable despite rising energy costs. However, supply disruptions for food and fuel could impact company credit quality. Top companies may see earnings drop, increasing debt ratios. Sectors like refining and airlines are most vulnerable. Banks might see slower credit growth. Government revenue could be affected by fuel price support measures.

Sweet trouble: World’s top chocolate maker issues warning as shares sink 17%
Barry Callebaut profit warning shocks markets. Shares crash 17% in hours. Cocoa prices collapse over 40% this year. The world’s largest chocolate maker now expects profits to fall sharply. Falling cocoa prices should help margins. But demand is weak and supply is too high. Industry overcapacity is rising fast. Global trade risks add more pressure. Shipping disruptions near key routes increase costs. The Barry Callebaut profit warning highlights deep market stress. Investors fear prolonged slowdown. The global chocolate market now faces uncertainty and volatility ahead.

IndianOil triples auto LPG supply in Bengaluru amid disruption, doubles dispatches to Karnataka
IndianOil has significantly increased Auto LPG supplies in Bengaluru by nearly 300 percent. This action addresses a sharp surge in demand caused by disruptions in private sector supply chains. The company is working to stabilize fuel availability for the city's transport system. Supplies across Karnataka have also doubled. IndianOil's outlets are operating without interruption to meet the elevated demand.

Europe may run out of jet fuel in 6 weeks: Why IEA warns Europe could face flight chaos as Iran war sparks a global energy crisis
Europe jet fuel shortage: Europe faces a potential six-week jet fuel shortage due to ongoing supply blockages from the Iran war, raising concerns about flight cancellations. The International Energy Agency warns of the largest energy crisis ever, with restricted Strait of Hormuz access impacting global economic growth and inflation through rising fuel prices.

Indian restaurants' 'slowdown' is ringing up a ₹79,000 cr bill as Iran war chokes LPG supply
The Indian dining scene is looking at a staggering monthly loss of ₹79,000 crore as a result of a commercial LPG shortage. This hiccup is forcing all types of eateries to shut down temporarily or seek alternative cooking methods.

Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, Dutch and British gas rates continue to rise or drop again? Analysts insights, market outlook and what should investors do now
Why are oil and gas prices up today, and will Brent, US WTI crude futures, Dutch and British gas rates continue to rise or drop again? Energy markets reacted to Middle East conflict risks, Hormuz disruption, falling US inventories, and shifting gas supply signals. Analysts say prices may stay volatile as geopolitics, exports, storage levels, and investor positioning continue to drive global oil and gas trends.

Oil prices fall as hopes for US-Iran deal outweigh supply disruption concerns
Oil prices declined as growing optimism around a potential US-Iran deal eased fears of supply disruptions, outweighing concerns over ongoing geopolitical risks.

Oil prices fall as hopes for US-Iran deal outweigh supply disruption concerns
Oil prices dipped today as reports suggested Iran might allow ships through the Strait of Hormuz. This potential easing of tensions with the U.S. is currently overshadowing worries about ongoing supply disruptions. Investors remain cautious, however, as past talks have faltered. The U.S. is also considering further talks with Iran. Crude inventories in the U.S. saw a surprise drop.

Global debt to hit post-World War II levels by 2029, IMF says; warns of rising fiscal strain amid West Asia war
Global public debt is set to surpass 100% of GDP by 2029. This level has not been seen since after World War II. Repeated economic shocks are straining government finances worldwide. Policymakers face challenges balancing fiscal credibility with supporting vulnerable populations. Supply disruptions for key products are being closely watched for their economic impact.

Delhi Water Supply Cut Update: These areas to face shortage for two days. Check timings, complaint number and helpline details
Delhi water supply: A temporary shutdown of the Chandrawal Water Works-II by the Delhi Jal Board on 15 April is expected to cause water supply disruptions across several parts of Delhi. The maintenance work, scheduled for six hours, may lead to low water pressure or shortages on 15 and 16 April in areas such as Civil Lines, Karol Bagh, and Patel Nagar. Residents have been advised to store adequate water and use it carefully, while emergency water tankers will be available on request via the DJB helpline.

Iran war impact: Essential drugs may cost up to 5% more, for now
The immediate net consumer impact could be 3-5% higher prices, or roughly similar to what consumers paid before the late-September cuts in GST rates. The industry expects the price increase to be in place for 3-4 months, with a rollback option once input costs stabilise.

Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Inc’s resilience to energy shocks
Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight India’s vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.

How war, trade tensions and disruptions are redesigning supply chains for an uncertain world
Global supply chains are undergoing a major transformation. Businesses are now prioritizing reliability over speed, building in buffers to handle disruptions. This shift involves diversifying suppliers, increasing inventory, and creating regional hubs. Enhanced visibility and sustainability are also becoming core to operations. The modern supply chain professional requires strategic thinking and adaptability.

Why are oil and gas prices down today, and will Brent crude and US WTI crude futures continue to drop or rise again soon? Analysts insights, market outlook and what should investors do now
Why are oil and gas prices down today, and will Brent crude and US WTI crude futures continue to drop or rise again soon? Oil and gas markets moved lower after signals of possible US-Iran talks eased supply fears linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Brent and WTI dropped after sharp gains. Analysts warn that lost oil supply, lower inventories, and uncertain negotiations may still push prices higher again soon.

Iran war upends IEA's oil market outlook as global supply and demand to contract in 2026
The International Energy Agency forecasts a global oil supply and demand fall due to the Iran war, citing the largest supply disruption in history. Demand growth is now predicted to drop by 80,000 bpd, with significant cuts in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. Global output is expected to decrease by 1.5 million bpd this year.

Trump’s Hormuz blockade: What’s at stake amid global chaos and ripple risks for India
A US-led naval blockade on Iran has sharply escalated tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil flows, trade routes and geopolitical stability. Oil prices have surged past $100 as shipping risks, insurance costs and supply disruptions ripple across markets. While enforcement remains complex and legally contested, the bigger risk lies in escalation and second-order effects—especially for importers like India, which could face higher crude prices and tighter supply as global demand reshuffles.

What’s happening with Brent crude and African crude prices, and why physical oil hits $150 as Europe pays record premiums amid Strait of Hormuz disruption and global supply shock fears
Brent crude and WTI oil prices are under sharp focus as physical crude for Europe has surged near $150 a barrel, based on LSEG data. This gap between futures and real oil signals a live supply crunch. The Strait of Hormuz disruption has tightened global flows. Traders are scrambling for immediate cargoes. African crude prices are also hitting fresh highs. This shows replacement demand is rising fast. Fuel shortage risks are building across Europe and Asia. Inflation pressure is returning. Energy markets are turning volatile again.

Crude at $100: Packaging costs surge, supply chains reset
Crude oil prices have surged past the $100 mark per barrel, leading to a dramatic rise in the cost of packaging materials and creating uncertainty in supply chains. Businesses are now prioritizing ensuring availability over minimizing expenses, leading many to stockpile inventory to safeguard against disruptions.

Crude to cost $150? Trump's Hormuz blockade threat risks oil shock
Oil prices could skyrocket to $150 a barrel if the US proceeds with a planned blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could disrupt up to 12 million barrels per day. Brent crude already surpassed $103 following failed talks with Iran, with traders deeming a full blockade unlikely despite escalating tensions and naval preparations.

Oil jumps 8% to above $100 ahead of US blockade on Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel as the U.S. Navy prepared to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, following failed talks to end the war with Iran. This move is expected to significantly restrict Iranian oil shipments and exacerbate existing supply disruptions. President Trump acknowledged potential high oil and gasoline prices through November's midterm elections.

West Asia War: India, Qatar call for end to energy supply disruptions
India's Oil Minister Hardeep Puri met Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. Both stressed ending global energy supply disruptions. Qatar reaffirmed its role as a reliable energy supplier to India. Discussions covered trade, investment, and energy ties. India is reassessing its supply situation following a ceasefire. Efforts are underway to secure the safe passage of stranded Indian vessels.
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