In March, household LPG sales fell 8% as state oil companies adjusted supplies amid reduced imports linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The drop was far steeper for other segments, with commercial LPG consumption down 48% and bulk LPG distribution to industries falling 75.5%, signaling widespread disruptions across India’s LPG supply chain.
The government has said there is currently no proposal to supply edible oils to consumers at subsidised rates. Data shows domestic production of edible oils in 2020-21 was 111.51 lakh tonnes against imports of 134.52 lakh tonnes, while demand reached 246.03 lakh tonnes. Groundnut oil retail prices also rose sharply to Rs 176.28 per kg.
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India has authorized 17 banks to import gold and silver for a three-year window beginning April 1, 2026, with validity until March 31, 2029. The government move is aimed at clearing a customs clearance bottleneck that had stalled shipments. Importers can now expect smoother processing and more predictable precious metals trade.
India’s crude oil and natural gas output kept falling in 2025-26, extending an 11-year slide as ageing fields drain production and new discoveries fail to replace losses. The result: rising import dependence. Even with policy reforms, foreign investment remains limited and fears over policy stability are discouraging exploration needed to reverse domestic decline.
India may be able to cut LPG imports by blending 20% dimethyl ether (DME) produced from coal gasification. A report estimates savings of 6.3 million tonnes of LPG annually and over USD 4 billion in foreign exchange, alongside about Rs 34,200 crore yearly. The Bureau of Indian Standards already allows the blend, but investment depends on clearer policy to expand domestic DME production.
The India UK free trade agreement is set to eliminate or slash tariffs on a range of goods and services, opening doors for Indian exporters and potentially reducing costs for buyers in India. Labour-intensive sectors like textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, and pharmaceuticals are expected to benefit most, while imported items may see price relief through lower trade barriers.
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India’s coal stocks have crossed 200 million tonnes, enough to cover 90 days of demand, marking a notable rise from earlier levels. The government also says coal production hit one billion tonnes for the second straight year. With reforms and auctions underway, officials claim the push is to cut import dependence and strengthen self-reliance in minerals.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Modi government of failing on fuel and fertiliser security, citing declining production and worsening import dependence. He also invoked remarks by Murli Manohar Joshi on the “Vishwaguru” rhetoric, arguing the government is deflecting criticism with talks around delimitation. The row highlights fears over India’s ability to secure essentials.
India’s government is pushing alternatives to chemical fertilisers after a 24.6% drop in output and supply disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The Centre is planning targeted action in high-use districts and aims to reduce chemical fertiliser usage by 25% by 2030, timed ahead of the kharif season and the food production cycle.
Small and medium aluminium recyclers have asked the PMO to remove the 2.5% import tax on aluminium scrap, citing surging costs and tight global supplies. They say the duty blocks access to reliable imported material, weakening their competitiveness and slowing downstream manufacturing. India’s secondary aluminium sector depends heavily on such imports, making the tax a key pain point.
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Indonesia’s shift to use palm oil for biofuels is set to challenge India’s food security, since India relies heavily on edible palm oil imports from Indonesia. With domestic production constrained by climate, India may have to scramble for alternative sourcing to avoid shortages and price spikes.
Sula’s growth is slowing as investors lose confidence, but the real threat is price pressure. Cheaper European wine is gaining traction after the new FTA framework, forcing the Nashik winemaker to defend margins and market share. The stock story has shifted from a domestic success narrative to a challenge against imports that are undercutting its pricing power.
As India scales up steel capacity, manganese—key to steel strength—is becoming harder to source reliably. Domestic ore supply is falling short, leaving imports vulnerable to price swings. The spotlight is on MOIL, India’s largest manganese producer, and whether it can expand output or secure supply fast enough to keep steel growth on track.
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