COST OF ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES
Manipur CM calls for hill-valley unity, says peace efforts cannot remain limited to valley
Manipur's Chief Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, appeals for harmony among the state's various communities, stressing the necessity of dialogue to resolve tensions rather than resorting to agitation. He highlights the severe economic ramifications caused by ongoing ethnic conflicts since May 2023, which jeopardize development efforts. Praise is given to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives that bolster infrastructure and support women's roles, urging a united front for peace and development.
ET Prime Special Series: Multibagger or Bankruptcy? Part 79: 5 years changed the size of this auto supplier. Will it pass the quality test?
The most striking number in this story is not a margin or a market-share target. It is a measure of scale. Revenue in the latest quarter was almost the same as full-year sales in FY21 and higher than the entire FY20 top line. It also argues that its current heavy-vehicle exposure is not under an immediate EV threat. For investors, the story is shifting from whether the company can grow to whether the additional capital can generate better returns.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra flags rising financial risks, warns against complacency as West Asia conflict adds to inflation pressure
Sanjay Malhotra highlighted the need for vigilance regarding financial vulnerabilities at the Kautilya Economic Conclave. He emphasized that banking and financial stress can develop suddenly yet take years to resolve. Malhotra pointed out the interplay of geopolitical and economic factors complicating current financial stability predictions. He stressed the Reserve Bank of India's role in maintaining financial resilience through appropriate regulations and supervision.
Price hikes unlikely to cost brands this festive season
Yet analysts expect demand to remain resilient in impulse-led categories and for purchases linked to the multiple occasions that now make up the festive season. ET reported on September 7 that ecommerce marketplaces and online retailers are expected to clock a record Rs 1.50-1.55 lakh crore in sales during this year’s festive season, up 25-29% from 2025.
Mumbai entry/exit toll for commercial vehicles to rise from October 1; transporters fume
Mumbai's toll charges for commercial vehicles will increase from October 1, according to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation. Transporters are concerned that these hikes will ultimately raise freight charges for consumers. The new toll rates will apply at five entry points into the city, with various increases based on vehicle type. Discount options will be available for commercial vehicle owners who purchase toll coupons in advance.
ET Prime Special Series: Multibagger or IBC - Part 78: A tech company hiding inside an auto-parts maker. But with a weak spot
This is one of the most exciting businesses in the sector: A technology company disguised as an auto-parts maker, growing fast, earning exceptional returns, and generating real cash. It is also one of the most concentrated. A single buyer accounts for roughly three-quarters of its sales, and a single type of component for roughly three-quarters of its material costs. The upside is obvious. The fragility is the part investors have to weigh.
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Global economy is shifting East, Global South must seize the moment: Shaktikanta Das
The Principal Secretary-2 Shaktikanta Das outlined the challenges and opportunities facing Global South economies during recent discussions. Energy shocks, trade barriers, and geopolitical uncertainties pose significant risks for these nations as they adapt. Strategies focused on food security, trade diversification, and job creation are essential for future resilience. Additionally, rising protectionism complicates access to global markets and technologies for low- and middle-income countries.
Festive shopping gets costlier as brands plan to hike AC, TV and appliance prices from October 1
Consumer electronics and appliance manufacturers in India will increase prices of products by 5-8% starting October 1. The rise in prices is attributed to higher costs of raw materials like copper and steel. Companies including Blue Star and Haier have confirmed these increases ahead of the festive shopping season. Despite the increases, some dealers have inventory stocked at old prices for the upcoming festivals.
Worsening El Nino threatens Asia with drought, potentially raising food prices globally
Experts warn that the current El Nino phenomenon could become one of the most intense in recorded history, raising alarms over possible devastating droughts and chaotic weather patterns throughout Asia and other regions.
'Kya hua tera vada': Congress takes a dig at PM Modi on rising prices of food items
The Congress party has criticized the Modi government over rising food item prices. Essential commodity costs have significantly increased, impacting household budgets across India. Specific price hikes were noted for spices, pulses, and cooking oils. Onion prices saw a substantial surge of over eighty percent in three months. The party questioned the Prime Minister's silence on the persistent inflation issue.
Rising oil, borrowing costs fuel stagflation fears for global economy
Middle East conflict-driven energy price spikes and rising global borrowing costs are reviving inflation risks while threatening economic growth. Brent crude remains above $100, government bond yields have surged, and households face higher fuel, energy and mortgage costs. Despite resilient economic activity and AI investment, prolonged pressures could create a challenging stagflationary environment.
Water bottle sold Rs 7 above MRP at temple shop, consumer court orders shopkeeper to pay Rs 7 lakh
The Kakinada district consumer commission has fined a shop licensee operating inside the Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple at Annavaram after he charged a devotee Rs 25 for a one-litre water bottle marked at Rs 18. The commission ordered the licensee to deposit Rs 7 lakh in the Consumer Welfare Fund and pay the devotee a refund, compensation and litigation costs, calling the overcharging a serious unfair trade practice at a pilgrimage site.
Rs 80,000 crore digital ad pie: Karan Taurani spots a hidden profit lever in new-age stocks
India’s new-age internet companies may be sitting on a profit engine that investors are still not fully pricing in: advertising.
PM Modi keeps saying 'sab changa si' but actually 'sab mehenga si': Congress on WPI inflation data
Wholesale price inflation reached 9.92 percent in August, showing a consistent rise. Food and manufactured items contributed significantly to this ongoing price increase. Real wages have also declined, with rural wages experiencing a substantial drop. This data contradicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims that everything is well. Rising global costs and supply chain issues are impacting Indian prices.
BRICS adopts New Delhi Declaration: Inside the 140-point document on Global South's ambitions
BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation, multilateralism and a more representative global order. The document outlines India's 2026 chairship priorities, recognises partner countries' contributions and calls for greater participation of Emerging Markets, Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries in global governance.
Brands turn to localisation, product cuts to protect festive margins
Brands are trying to protect festive-season demand from rising input costs by increasing localisation, using alternative materials, simplifying products and improving operational efficiency. Companies plan measured price hikes but are willing to absorb some cost increases and sacrifice margins as mass-market and rural demand remain under pressure.
When it comes to crude oil prices, it's all about location, location, location
Crude oil prices show a significant divergence as conflict escalates in the Middle East. Barrels facing transit risks are heavily discounted, while freely moving oil commands premiums. The Bab el-Mandeb strait's potential closure and pipeline attacks are impacting global supply routes. Oil outside the Persian Gulf is increasingly expensive, especially for Asian refiners. This price disparity reflects heightened geopolitical tensions and shipping challenges.
EV-related stocks: Own the chain, not the guess; 13 stocks with upside potential of up to 28% and downside risk of -14%, according to analysts
In the stock market, when a big theme or sectoral trend takes off, most investors focus on the face of it. A brand with which they can relate. The same is happening in the auto sector, which is transitioning to the EV age. However, behind every EV is a long, hidden chain of businesses. Chasing an obvious name means betting on just one stock. There is a better way. Check out Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, for price targets of over 4,000 listed stocks along with detailed company analysis focusing on five key components – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. SR+ Reports is a complimentary offering to ETPrime members.
Commodity Talk | Gold isn't the only story: Why copper, energy and other commodities are gaining portfolio relevance, says Dr. Joseph Thomas
Gold remains the traditional hedge against inflation and uncertainty, but the opportunity set is becoming much broader. Copper, for instance, is gaining structural relevance as demand from electric vehicles, construction, AI and data centres collides with limited investment in new mines and declining ore quality. Energy markets, meanwhile, remain critical for India, where higher crude prices can quickly feed into import costs, inflation and the balance of payments.
Fuel price shock exposes Pakistan's transport fare crisis as commuters bear brunt
Rawalpindi citizens face rising transportation costs after recent fuel price increases. Goods transporters have raised freight charges by approximately fifteen percent. Local public transport fares have also seen an increase of PKR 10 per stop. Essential commodity prices have risen by around fifteen percent due to higher transport expenses. School and office transport services have become significantly more expensive for households.
1,200 km more railway tracks coming: Govt clears 8 projects worth Rs 20,000 crore to connect 6,900 villages across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & more
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved eight railway projects costing over twenty thousand crore rupees. These projects will increase line capacity and enhance operational efficiency for Indian Railways. Multi-tracking proposals aim to streamline operations and alleviate existing network congestion. The approved projects will boost connectivity to tourist destinations and key commodity routes. These initiatives are planned under the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
US sanctions on Iran: Basmati demand stays strong, pharma and livestock exporters face new hurdles
Iranian demand for Indian basmati remains resilient despite tougher US sanctions, but exporters are facing rising shipping, insurance, and payment risks. Pharma and livestock exporters are also navigating disruptions to established trade routes.
Sugar imports lose appeal as domestic prices plunge below import parity
A sharp fall in domestic sugar prices has made imports costlier than local supplies, complicating the Centre’s plan to bring in 1 million tonnes of raw sugar to cool prices. Port-based refineries have committed about 260,000 tonnes, but only a few thousand tonnes have entered the domestic market.
How India's below-average September rainfall fuels concern about crops
India faces below-average monsoon rains and higher temperatures this September. This rainfall deficit impacts summer crops entering critical growth stages. Winter crop planting may also be hampered by insufficient soil moisture. Lower agricultural output could necessitate increased imports of sugar and vegetable oils. The monsoon's weakness poses a fresh risk to India's inflation outlook.
Tamil Nadu government to sell onions at Rs 35/kg in 8,739 ration shops to curb price rise
The Tamil Nadu government will sell onions at Rs 35 per kg through 8,739 ration shops. This initiative aims to control soaring onion prices for approximately 80 lakh family cardholders. The government has procured 1000 tonnes of onions to implement this subsidised sale program. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the rising prices of essential commodities.
In 2009, the U.S. Air Force put 525,000 computers under ENERGY STAR power controls, replacing wasteful always-on use with sleep settings and targeting $15 million in annual savings
Air Force's approach focused on putting computers into lower-power states when they were not being actively used. Under the settings being implemented at the time, monitors could enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity, while computers could enter a low-power state after 30 minutes.
Trump says the US doesn't need Canada. America's economy says otherwise
Despite President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States does not need Canada, both economies remain deeply interdependent. Canadian oil, aluminum, potash, auto parts and electricity power American transport, agriculture, manufacturing and AI infrastructure.
Russia-Ukraine war likely to raise import price of sunflower oil, yellow peas
The escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war could raise India’s import costs for sunflower oil and yellow peas, as attacks and shipping disruptions in the Black Sea have sharply reduced exports from the region.
Congress slams government on 'skyrocketing' price rise, takes swipe over 'achche din' promise
The Congress party has criticized the central government for escalating inflation rates. Onion prices have significantly increased, impacting household budgets across the nation. Essential commodities like milk and oil are also becoming unaffordable for many. The party questions how the poor and middle class can manage their expenses.
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