Energy

India’s benchmark indices, the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50, witnessed a volatile trading session as early gains were erased due to rising crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty in West Asia. While both indices opened higher, investor sentiment turned cautious, leading to a reversal into negative territory. Gains in select banking and consumption stocks were offset by declines in technology and aviation shares. The mixed performance reflects broader market nervousness amid global headwinds, even as strong corporate earnings from key players provided limited support to the indices.

India’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market is gradually returning to equilibrium after a period of intense demand triggered by global supply disruptions and domestic panic buying. A senior official indicated that with the onset of summer and improved supply conditions, demand for cooking gas is normalizing. At the height of the crisis, daily refill bookings surged to over 88 lakh, nearly double the usual 45 lakh.

Waaree Renewable Technologies reported a remarkable 66% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs. 155.72 crore for the March quarter of FY26, driven by a sharp surge in revenues. The company’s revenue from operations more than doubled, reflecting strong execution and rising demand in India’s renewable energy sector. With solar and clean energy projects gaining momentum nationwide, Waaree continues to benefit from favorable policy support and increasing investments in sustainability.

India’s edible oil imports rose 12 percent year-on-year to 11.73 lakh tonnes in March, driven primarily by a sharp increase in crude palm oil shipments, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India. However, industry projections suggest import volumes may moderate in the coming months due to elevated global prices and rising freight costs amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

India has accelerated the distribution of smaller LPG cylinders and expanded piped natural gas (PNG) connections to mitigate the impact of global energy disruptions triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. With over 13 lakh 5-kg LPG cylinders sold and more than 4.24 lakh new PNG connections activated since late March, the government is prioritizing accessibility and affordability for vulnerable populations. The transition from traditional LPG usage to PNG reflects a broader structural shift in energy consumption.

Global financial markets are bracing for heightened volatility as diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran concluded without a breakthrough, intensifying geopolitical uncertainty. Analysts expect investor sentiment to remain fragile when trading resumes, with crude oil prices emerging as a critical variable influencing market direction. The failure to reach a consensus has raised concerns over prolonged tensions in West Asia, a region central to global energy supply chains.

Amid ongoing disruptions in West Asia, global energy major Shell plc has significantly increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to India, capitalizing on supply gaps left by traditional exporters. The company secured a dominant share in recent fertiliser-sector tenders, supplying 4 out of 6 trillion British thermal units (TBtus) of LNG. With constrained shipments from key Gulf suppliers, India recorded its highest-ever monthly LNG imports in March, supported by Shell’s global portfolio.

India faces a critical inflection point in its energy strategy as global supply disruptions expose vulnerabilities in its heavy reliance on West Asian imports. Industry leadership has cautioned against overdependence on traditional sourcing routes, particularly amid geopolitical instability that has disrupted key shipping corridors. With nearly half of its crude oil, a substantial share of natural gas, and the majority of LPG imports tied to the region, India must reassess its long-term energy security framework.

India is advancing a strategic energy partnership with Mauritius to secure oil and gas supplies amid escalating global uncertainties triggered by disruptions in West Asia. The move reflects a broader effort to diversify energy ties and reinforce regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean. With critical maritime routes affected and oil prices surging, the agreement highlights the growing importance of bilateral collaboration in ensuring energy resilience. External Affairs Minister S.

India’s energy sector witnessed a key leadership transition as Sanjay Khanna was formally appointed Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). A seasoned industry executive, Khanna steps into the role after previously overseeing refinery operations and holding interim leadership responsibilities. His appointment comes at a time when the energy landscape is undergoing structural shifts, including evolving fuel demand, energy transition priorities, and global supply uncertainties.