Petrol and diesel rates have not been lowered in India since May 2022 even though international oil prices are down 25% from June 2022 peak. Analysts believe ‘politics is at play’.
Fuel prices were first kept static to protect consumers from rise in oil prices, and then for OMCs to recover losses. With OMCs in profit now, daily pricing mechanism can be restored.
India has paid Russia nearly $20 billion for oil in just seven months, more than what it paid in the last ten years combined. It has only reaped higher profits of a few Indian companies.
European Union ban on Russian crude imports from 5 Dec will drive European refiners to buy more Middle East oil, putting them in competition with Asian buyers.
State-run processors — Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum & Hindustan Petroleum — are 'reaching out' to term-contract suppliers, such as Saudi Arabia & Iraq, for extra barrels, buying on spot market.
Dealers claim OMCs telling them to put up hoardings promoting govt schemes bearing Modi's photo. OMCs deny the charge, say move only to promote schemes
Industry says manufacturers have 2-4 weeks of buffer stocks, but prolonged disruption could push up shortage risks, especially of consumables like IV and syringes.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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