Page 12 - West Asia

Govt steps up LPG supply, urges calm amid Strait of Hormuz concerns

Sale of small 5-kg LPG cylinders - available across-the-counter at LPG distributorships on showing valid ID proofs - has been stepped up, with about 6.6 lakh bottles sold since March 23 as the government ramps up supplies to meet demand. Unlike the subsidised domestic 14.2-kg cylinders, the 5 kg bottles, called FTL cylinders, are priced at market rates and do not require any address proof for procurement from a nearby LPG distributorship. "Yesterday (April 4), more than 90,000, 5Kg FTL cylinders were sold. Since March 23, 2026, about 6.6 lakh, 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold," the oil ministry said in a statement. The ministry said there are no reports of shortages at LPG distributor points, with more than 51 lakh domestic cylinders delivered during the day and online bookings accounting for 95 per cent of total demand. Authorities have intensified action against hoarding and black marketing, seizing over 50,000 cylinders since March and issuing more than 1,400 show-cause notices

Iraq thanks Iran for allowing oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz

Hussein made the remarks during a meeting with Iran's ambassador to Iraq Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq

Donald Trump says US will target Iran's infrastructure on Tuesday

Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran, he said

Stocks brace for volatility amid RBI policy, West Asia conflict: Analysts

The domestic stock market is expected to remain volatile this week as investors track the Reserve Bank's monetary policy decision, key global macroeconomic data and the impact of the West Asia conflict, analysts said. Movements in crude oil prices and foreign fund flows will also influence domestic equities, they added. Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Ltd, said the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting will command centre stage domestically, with investors closely watching the central bank's stance on inflation and growth. "A rate pause is near-certain consensus, the central bank walks a tightrope between crude-driven inflation risks and a four-year low Manufacturing PMI signalling a softening growth impulse. The governor's commentary on the rate cycle trajectory and FY27 projections will be closely monitored. "Globally, the US March CPI reading will carry significant importance, as it buries residual Fed rate-cut hopes, strengthens the dollar and tightens

CII 20-point agenda calls for coordinated response amid West Asia crisis

Industry lobby CII on Sunday outlined a 20-point agenda to mitigate the impact of the West Asia crisis, calling for measures including a temporary exemption from long-term capital gains tax for foreign investors in the primary market, the introduction of a time-bound Conflict-Linked Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme and a three-month moratorium and restructuring window for MSMEs. CII proposed that priority sector lending (PSL) norms may be revisited to enable banks to respond more flexibly to sector-specific stress during external disruptions. It also suggested that the RBI could institute a Special Refinance Window for MSMEs and other affected sectors, among other measures, seeking their consideration by the government. To sustain foreign capital inflows into primary markets during a period of heightened global uncertainty, the Ministry of Finance may consider a temporary exemption from long-term capital gains tax for foreign investors in primary market investments, with the .

Fire breaks out at Borouge petrochemicals plant in UAE following attack

Authorities say a fire has broken out at a petrochemicals plant in the United Arab Emirates following an attack on Sunday. Abu Dhabi authorities responded to multiple fires at the Borouge petrochemicals plant. They say the fires were caused by falling debris following successful interceptions by air defence systems, but production at the plant has halted. The plant is in Ruwais, near the UAE's western border with Saudi Arabia. The plant is a joint venture of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Borealis of Australia.

OIL ramps up crude production from Rajasthan's Thar amid energy crisis

Amid heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in global oil markets, Oil India Ltd has significantly ramped up crude production from Rajasthan's Thar desert, achieving a record output of 1,202 barrels per day from the Jodhpur sandstone formation, officials said. The state-run company has increased production by around 70 per cent compared to last year's 705 barrels per day, marking a major milestone in efforts to boost domestic output and strengthen energy security. Officials said the crude oil produced in the Baghewala field in Jaisalmer is transported by tankers to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) facilities in Mehsana, Gujarat, from where it is sent via pipeline to the Koyali refinery operated by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). In the financial year 2025-26, Oil India's Rajasthan field recorded an annual production of 43,773 metric tonnes of crude oil, up from 32,787 metric tonnes in the previous year, reflecting strong growth driven by technological advancements

Aid groups warn Iran war is hindering food, medicine from reaching millions

Aid groups are warning that the war in the Middle East has upended their ability to get food and medicine to millions of people around the world in need, and that the suffering will deepen if the violence continues. Not only has the conflict cut off vital shipping routes, creating a global energy crisis, it's also disrupting supply chains for aid groups, forcing them to use costlier, more time-consuming routes. Key pathways such as the Strait of Hormuz have been effectively shuttered and routes from strategic hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have also been impacted. Transport costs have spiked with higher fuel and insurance rates, meaning less supplies can be delivered with the same amount of money. The World Food Program says it has tens of thousands of metric tons of food heavily delayed in transit. The International Rescue Committee has USD 130,000 worth of pharmaceuticals intended for war-torn Sudan stranded in Dubai and nearly 670 boxes of therapeutic food meant for ...

Prolonged West Asia war could erode US support for Ukraine: Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concern that a prolonged US-Israeli war on Iran could further erode America's support for Ukraine as Washington's global priorities shift and Kyiv braces for reduced deliveries of critically needed Patriot air defence missiles. Ukraine desperately needs more US-made Patriot air defence systems to help it counter Russia's daily barrages, Zelenskyy said, speaking to The Associated Press in an exclusive interview late Saturday in Istanbul. Russia's relentless pounding of urban areas behind the front line following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than four years ago has killed thousands of civilians. It has also targeted Ukraine's energy supply to disrupt the industrial production of Ukraine's newly developed drones and missiles, while also denying civilians heat and running water in winter. "We have to recognise that we are not the priority for today," Zelenskyy said. "That's why I am afraid a long (Iran) war will give us less .

Missing US airman rescued after fighter jet downed in Iran: Report

The rescue operation for the crew member of the F-15E fighter jet was conducted by a "specialised commando unit with a high volume of air cover," the report said

LPG crisis hits Dehradun's 'Maggi points', vendors struggle to sustain biz

Once bustling with tourists, these popular stops are now witnessing a sharp decline in footfall as vendors grapple with cooking delays and limited resources

US inflation set to spike as energy prices rise amid West Asia war

Economists are penciling in a 1 per cent increase in the consumer price index for March - the sharpest one-month advance since 2022 - after the Iran war pushed gas prices up by about $1/gallon

Kuwait's oil ministry building set ablaze by Iranian drone strike

The damaged building, which also houses the emirate's oil ministry, was evacuated and firefighting crews were on the scene

Iran calls on public to find 'enemy pilot' as US continues frantic search

The US military pressed ahead Saturday in a frantic search for a missing pilot over a remote area in southwestern Iran, a day after the Islamic Republic shot down a US warplane and promised a reward for whoever turns in the pilot. The plane, identified by Iran as a F-15E Strike Eagle, was one of two attacked Friday, with one service member rescued and at least one missing. It was the first time the United States lost aircraft in Iranian territory during the war, now in its sixth week, and could add to pressure on the Trump administration to end the fighting. The war, which began with joint US-Israel strikes on Feb 28, has killed thousands, shaken global markets, cut off key shipping routes and spiked fuel prices. It shows no signs of slowing as Iran responds to ongoing airstrikes with attacks across the region. The downing of the American planes came two days after US President Donald Trump said in a national address that the United States has "beaten and completely decimated Iran."

Iran open to peace talks as search continues for missing US pilot

The incidents show the risks still facing US and Israeli aircraft over Iran, despite assertions by Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that US forces had total control of the skies

West Asia crisis may hit India exports if conflict persists: Rajesh Agrawal

If the West Asia conflict continues, India's exports to other parts of the world will also be impacted, Central Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Saturday. Indian exports during the last financial year were expected to remain on a positive trajectory despite the crisis, he added. Addressing a press conference on the sidelines of 'Chintan Shivir - Scaling Up Pharma Exports', Agrawal said that because of the West Asia crisis, there was definitely an impact last month on both imports and exports, as energy is a major part of the Indian import market. "West Asia is also an important market. Around 12-13 per cent of our exports go to the region. So, that will directly get impacted. And if it goes on for long, maybe our exports to other parts of the world will also get impacted as some of the value chains will rotate back. We are cognizant of it," the official told reporters. Replying to a query, he said the exact impact of the West Asia crisis on Indian exports will be known in

Govt advises against panic buying, says fuel supplies adequate

The government on Saturday urged citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel and LPG, saying fuel supplies remain adequate despite disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the government is taking proactive steps to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and cooking gas, while advising people to rely only on official information and conserve energy. The government has prioritised domestic LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) supplies, particularly for households, hospitals and essential services, and has implemented measures to boost refinery output and manage demand, including extending LPG refill intervals. Authorities have also stepped up enforcement against hoarding and black marketing, conducting more than 3,700 raids and issuing around 1,000 show-cause notices to LPG distributors, with 27 dealerships suspended so far. Despite supply pressures from the geopolitical situation, there are no ...

West Asia conflict: Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy raise prices as costs jump

Bajaj Auto and Ather Energy raise prices as metal costs surge, passing on war-driven input inflation to consumers

West Asia war: Plastic factories face uncertainty as machines fall silent

The second of a six-part series analyses the impact of the West Asia crisis on the plastic industry, based on a ground report from Balasore, Odisha

OMCs raise red flag over viability of flex fuels, pricing structure

OMCs flag pricing, demand and vehicle gaps as key hurdles to flex fuel rollout, questioning viability without clear incentives and ecosystem readiness