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Oil marketing companies (OMCs) are poised for a sharp rebound, with operating profits expected to surge more than 50 per cent to USD 18-20 per barrel this fiscal year, driven by stronger marketing margins amid stable retail fuel prices and supportive crude oil dynamics, Crisil Ratings said on Friday. OMCs earn from refining (gross refining margins or GRMs) and from marketing of petrol, diesel, and other fuels. "This fiscal, the improvement in marketing margin will more than offset a moderation in refining margin owing to slow growth in global demand for fossil fuels as the world transitions towards cleaner energy sources," Crisil Ratings said in a note. Healthy profitability is set to bolster cash accruals to Rs 75,000-80,000 crore, compared with about Rs 55,000 crore last fiscal year. The stronger cash flow will support the sector's planned Rs 90,000 crore capex, largely focused on brownfield expansion and domestic demand-driven projects. Crude oil prices are expected to soften to
The US pressure on India for its procurement of Russian crude oil is "unjustified", a senior Russian diplomat said on Wednesday. We are confident that India-Russia energy cooperation will continue notwithstanding the external pressure, Russian Deputy Chief of Mission Roman Babushkin said. It is a "challenging" situation for India, he said at a media briefing and added that, we have "trust" in our ties with New Delhi. In the context of Western punitive measures against Russia, Babushkin said the sanctions are hitting those who are imposing them. To a question, he said the role of BRICS as a stabilising force will increase amid the ongoing global turbulence. His remarks came against the backdrop of strain in India's ties with the US following President Donald Trump doubling tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent that included an additional penalty of 25 per cent for purchasing Russian crude oil. US President Trump this month issued an executive order slapping an additional 25 per c