India has not been buying crude oil from Iran since mid-2019 after the US ended waiver for sanctions on Iran crude. Around 35-40% of India’s crude oil needs are met through cargoes that make their way towards Asia through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brokerages reinstate 'add' and 'buy' ratings on Aster DM, Marico, and Hindalco, citing robust growth prospects driven by mergers, value-added products, and domestic demand. Tata Motors PV sees a target price cut due to JLR woes and rising costs, while JSW Infrastructure maintains strong growth targets despite geopolitical headwinds.
Geopolitical tensions have left many expatriates stranded abroad, raising questions about salary continuation. UAE labour law dictates salary is tied to work but unavoidable absences due to conflict or travel bans are considered justified. Outcomes depend on remote work capability, employer agreement and clear communication, with flexibility and negotiation being key.
Asia and Oceania will immediately receive strategic oil reserves, while the Americas and Europe will start releases by late March. This emergency action by the IEA aims to cushion the oil shock from the West Asia war, releasing 271.7 million barrels globally. Despite this, oil prices remain near $100, highlighting concerns over the Strait of Hormuz closure.
Amidst Middle East crisis concerns, India assures stable fertiliser supply for the upcoming Kharif season. Government data reveals urea stocks are higher than last year, with DAP and NPK reserves also significantly boosted. Domestic production is expected to exceed consumption, and global tenders have been issued to ensure uninterrupted shipments.
Middle East conflict triggers force majeure declarations from Gulf energy producers like Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait. Attacks and shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have halted oil and gas exports, causing global price spikes and supply chain concerns amid Iran vs US-Israel war. This legal clause highlights the immediate economic impact of geopolitical instability on energy markets.
Iran has granted safe passage to two India-flagged LPG carriers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy route. This assurance comes from Iran's Ambassador to India, who emphasized the strong friendship and shared interests between the two nations. The move occurs amidst regional tensions and follows Iran's criticism of US policy on Russian oil imports.
Amidst escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, Standard Chartered clarified reports of a Dubai office evacuation, stating it extended existing work-from-home measures as a precaution. The bank emphasised its regional operations remain active. This comes as other financial institutions also implement safety protocols, highlighting Dubai's crucial role as a financial hub facing geopolitical risks.
Despite escalating Iran vs US-Israel war, HSBC reaffirms strong confidence in GCC economies, signalling global banks are not retreating. The region's diversified economies, fiscal strength and strategic location continue to attract capital, even as markets grapple with conflict-driven volatility and energy price surges. Financial hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are expanding, underscoring long-term appeal.
India faces a nearly 40% hit to its LNG supply due to the West Asia conflict, prompting the government to devise an "optimisation plan" for industries. While fertiliser remains a priority, some supply reduction is possible, though the sector is currently buffered by high urea stocks and the agricultural lean season.
Thousands of UAE residents stranded abroad due to travel disruptions amid Iran vs US-Israel war, face salary and job uncertainty. UAE labour law offers protections, with employers expected to assess situations reasonably. Communication and documentation are crucial for employees, who may be eligible for remote work or paid/unpaid leave. Termination is not automatic for justified absences.
The Middle East conflict is escalating, triggering global economic concerns. Disruptions to trade, energy supplies, and food production are already evident, with potential for significant inflation and reduced growth. Asian economies and global shipping networks face particular vulnerability as tensions persist.
India is poised to finalize trade deals with the US within months, pending clarity on American tariff strategies. New Delhi remains committed, aiming for favorable terms for its farmers, including market access for mangoes without reciprocal farm product commitments. The nation has secured a competitive advantage, with assurances for domestic apple and walnut producers.
Despite regional geopolitical tensions and an anticipated surge in new housing supply, Dubai's real estate sector remains resilient, according to Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar. He asserts that the market has strong fundamentals and long-term planning to weather shocks, with record sales and luxury segment growth fueling optimism for continued stability and expansion.
India continues to source crude oil from Russia, asserting its right to procure from any supplier based on national interest, affordability, and availability. Government sources clarified that recent US waivers were for domestic audiences, as New Delhi's energy security is not solely dependent on single maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz, with a significant portion of imports unaffected.
Domestic cooking gas prices are set to rise from Saturday, with a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder increasing by Rs 60 nationwide. Commercial cylinders will also see a Rs 115 hike. This marks the first significant domestic LPG price change since April 2025. Despite global energy concerns, the government assures comfortable energy supply and diversified import sources.
Escalation Of Conflict Risks Inflating Key Input Costs For Cos That May Have To Pass On Hikes
Gains 1.1% On US Shipping Safety Guarantee, Iran's Talk Proposal
Indian wealthtech platforms are integrating AI to personalize investing and speed up product launches. Companies like INDmoney, Upstox, and Groww are using AI to enhance user experience, improve internal productivity, and accelerate feature rollouts. This allows them to scale operations and deliver new products efficiently without significant headcount increases.
Oil marketing companies are absorbing recent crude oil price spikes, creating a buffer against inflation and GDP impacts. Despite a 16.8% rise in Brent crude, a full pass-through to consumers is unlikely, with OMCs expected to manage the increase through their margins. This strategy helps cushion India's economy from geopolitical shocks affecting its heavy reliance on imported oil.
Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran acknowledged the West Asia conflict's supply chain impact. He assured that Tata companies have planned alternative measures and are prioritizing employee safety in affected regions. Investments in technology, including hydrogen engines and carbon footprint reduction, are ongoing. New manufacturing jobs are expected with Tata Steel's expansion. AI will create opportunities for TCS.
Reinsurers, P&I Clubs Cancel War Cover, In 'Wait & Watch' Mode
Russia reports India's renewed interest in larger crude oil imports amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Moscow sees this as a chance to reduce discounts to Asian buyers. India, however, assures sufficient reserves and diversified sourcing, with only 40% of its crude imports passing through the critical waterway.
Saudi Arabia significantly boosted crude oil supplies to India in February, nearly matching Russia's top position. This surge, the highest in six years, reflects a shift by refiners away from some Russian volumes. However, ongoing Gulf disruptions may force India to seek alternative import routes, potentially altering the supply landscape.
India has not been buying crude oil from Iran since mid-2019 after the US ended waiver for sanctions on Iran crude. Around 35-40% of India’s...
