EXCISE DUTY
IOC to buy crude, LPG ships as West Asia crisis exposes shipping risks
The move marks a potential shift in the company's shipping strategy, which has traditionally relied on a mix of time-charter and voyage-chartered vessels.
IOC to buy crude, LPG ships as West Asia crisis exposes shipping risks
Indian Oil Corporation aims to enhance control over its energy supply chain by acquiring crude oil carriers and LPG vessels. The company is also exploring domestic shipbuilding initiatives under the Make in India program. Amid increasing freight rates and tensions in West Asia, IOC has adjusted its shipping strategy significantly. It has diversified crude procurement, sourcing significant amounts from various countries, including Russia and Venezuela.
Indian oil refiners expect healthy margins amid global supply disruptions
A combination of these factors offer Indian refiners an opportunity to capitalise on stronger diesel, gasoline and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) cracks. Reliance Industries (RIL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL), Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) reported record refining performances in the September quarter (Q2) and expect the run to continue.
Fiscal deficit likely to exceed FY27 target by up to Rs 1.2 lakh crore
India's fiscal deficit for the year 2026-27 is projected to exceed the budgeted target by a significant amount. The anticipated deficit may reach ₹1.2 lakh crore, influenced by various subsidy pressures. Both CareEdge Ratings and SBI Research provided estimates on the fiscal deficit, highlighting potential shortfalls in tax revenue. Proposed measures include utilizing the Economic Stabilisation Fund and implementing expenditure cuts to manage the deficit.
LTCG abolition may cost just Rs 40,000–50,000 crore, SBI estimates show
SBI Research estimates that abolishing long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax would cost the government just Rs 40,000–50,000 crore in FY27, far below the Rs 1.3 lakh crore collected in FY25. Weaker stock market returns and sustained foreign investor outflows have significantly reduced expected collections, suggesting the move may not derail the government's fiscal consolidation plans.
ITC shares rise 2% after Q2 results. What are Jefferies, Nuvama and others saying?
ITC shares gained 2% despite an 18.5% year-on-year decline in Q2 net profit, as higher taxes and falling cigarette earnings weighed on profitability. However, its FMCG business delivered strong growth. Jefferies, Nuvama, Emkay and DAM Capital remain positive on the stock, with target prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 355.
India likely to meet FY27 fiscal deficit target despite spending pressures: Goldman Sachs
The Centre appears on track to meet the fiscal deficit target set for FY27. Strong corporate tax collections are offsetting some revenue pressures observed in the first half of the fiscal year. The government's fiscal position improved significantly in September compared to August, aided by higher direct tax revenues. Focused expenditure reallocation will be crucial in achieving the deficit goals.
Reliance Industries expands fuel exports to Africa, Europe as West Asia conflict disrupts supplies
Reliance Industries has redirected fuel exports to Africa, the Mediterranean and other European markets to capitalise on supply disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, lifting its market share in these regions by about 50%. The strategy helped drive record quarterly earnings for its oil-to-chemicals business as global refining margins surged.
Government scraps export duty on petrol, raises levies on diesel and ATF
The Indian government has abolished the special additional excise duty on petrol exports as of now. Diesel export levies have been raised to Rs 11.50 per litre from Rs 8.50 per litre. The export duty on aviation turbine fuel has also increased by 50 paise per litre. These adjustments reflect ongoing pressures from international energy market disruptions linked to geopolitical events.
Fiscal deficit in H1 rises to 42.1% of FY27 target on higher capex, subsidies
By September 2026, the Centre's fiscal deficit had escalated to ₹7.14 lakh crore, exceeding last year's figures. This increase is fueled by a 10.7% rise in total expenditure, largely a result of heightened capital spending and food subsidies, while petroleum subsidies sharply declined. Gross tax revenue, however, saw a modest growth of 6.1%, even with lower excise duty collections attributed to tax reforms.
Middle East war helps lift Reliance’s oil-to-chemicals earnings to an all-time high
Reliance Industries' oil-to-chemicals sector reported record earnings due to soaring global fuel prices. The firm credited this success to the rise in energy costs and improved refining margins for the second quarter. While rising crude oil and transport fuel prices bolstered revenue, increased procurement and transportation expenses served as a constraint on overall earnings.
United Spirits’ popular segment sales fall 22.7% as state policies squeeze margins
United Spirits reported a 22.7% decline in its popular liquor segment sales during Q2 FY2027. The decline was attributed to increased taxes on non-local brands in Maharashtra and excise duty changes in Karnataka. While the overall net sales value rose 2.8% year-on-year, the popular segment's issues highlight regulatory pressure. The premium and luxury liquor segments continued to drive growth amid these challenges.
United Breweries shares rally 14% after Q2FY27 profit jumps 191% YoY
United Breweries shares surged by 14.44% as the company announced a staggering 191% jump in net profit, now at Rs 135 crore for the September quarter of FY27. Additionally, net sales increased by 24% to reach Rs 2,537 crore, driven by strong premium beer sales. However, despite this impressive performance, the stock has seen a decline of about 30% over the previous year.
West Asia crisis so far may cost govt Rs 1.35 lakh crore, spending cuts unlikely: ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar
The West Asia crisis may impose a fiscal burden of approximately Rs 1.35 lakh crore on India. Government spending has generally remained below budget estimates, providing financial flexibility for these pressures. Higher customs duty collections from gold and silver imports might help offset some costs. ICRA anticipates GDP growth to remain robust, exceeding 7 percent in the second quarter of FY27.
Paul John may retain 10-20% stake in John Distilleries after Sazerac takeover
Paul John, founder of John Distilleries, is considering retaining a minority stake of 10% to 20%. Sazerac, which now holds 65.7% of the company, values John Distilleries at about ₹4,500 crore. The company's revenue increased by 15.1% to ₹10,820 crore in FY26, and net profit surged significantly. However, escalating state duties in Karnataka are impacting retail prices and consumption.
Government cuts duty drawback rates on gold, silver jewellery exports
The government has announced a reduction in duty drawback rates for gold and silver jewellery exports. The rates for gold jewellery have decreased by 3.1% while silver jewellery rates have been cut by about 9%. Earlier in July, the government had nearly doubled these rates to enhance exporter competitiveness. The latest adjustments reflect ongoing fluctuations in global input costs and market conditions.
ITC shares rise 2% a day after hitting a 52-week low following GQG’s Rs 9,395 crore stake sale. What lies ahead?
ITC shares rose after Rajiv Jain-backed GQG sold shares worth Rs 9,395 crore, reducing its stake amid a sharp stock decline. Cigarette tax hikes, inflation and rising oil prices weighed on performance. Investors now await quarterly earnings, while brokerages remain divided on the stock’s outlook and valuation prospects.
After flat Indian-Made Liquor sales in April-Sep period, industry body warns Karnataka of harm to revenue
The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies opposes Karnataka's increased taxation on Indian-Made Liquor. Recent data shows steady revenue growth for IML, despite lower volume increases. Meanwhile, beer consumption has surged, but tax revenues remain low, causing concern among industry stakeholders. CIABC suggests a more balanced taxation approach between different alcoholic beverages. This situation highlights the importance of revising alcohol-related policy based on actual consumption patterns.
Karnataka liquor volumes flat in H1 as beer gets three cheers
Karnataka observed significant growth in beer sales, rising by 41% in the first half of the fiscal year. Indian-made liquor sales, however, remained stable with a mere 1% increase during the same period. Revenue from beer and Indian-made liquor combined reached Rs 22,192 crore, reflecting a 13% growth year-on-year. Domestic liquor manufacturers had concerns regarding the regulatory framework that affected consumption patterns.
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