Market News

Markets are likely to see another bout of volatility with the widening conflict in the Middle East. Oil and energy sector stocks are likely to remain under strain in today’s trading session.

Government sources say 60% of India’s crude imports now avoid the Strait of Hormuz, backed by diversified suppliers and 100 million barrels in stocks, easing immediate shortage concerns amid regional tensions.

West Asia tensions threaten India’s ₹50,000 crore basmati trade, with 45% payments pending and over 83% of the 6.5 million tonne export target already shipped.

The Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for advanced helicopters and surface-to-air missile systems. This is strengthening India’s aerial and air-defence capabilities with modern platforms to address evolving security needs.

India’s white-collar hiring rose 12% YoY in February 2026, with the Naukri JobSpeak Index at 3,233. AI/ML roles surged by 49%, IT roles grew by 6%, and overall Indian MNC hiring jumped by 24%.

Navin Fluorine is making its growth prospects stronger by adding more capacity, launching new products, and forming strategic alliances. Recent commissioning of facilities and refrigerant capacity additions are supporting scale-up and improved utilisation and demand across segments.

Flipkart has begun early discussions with investment banks for a potential India IPO. The move follows its Singapore-to-India domicile shift and leadership changes, while CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy says the company is focused on long-term readiness before going public.

Petronet LNG shares fell after the company declared force majeure due to tanker disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions. Read more here.

Citi warns India’s gas supply chain faces greater risk than oil as Qatar supplies 40–50% of LNG imports, with prices potentially rising from $14–$18 to $30 per MMBtu if disruptions persist.

Foreign investors pulled $751 million from Indian equities after February’s strong inflows. What triggered the sudden reversal? Read more to find out.

Russia has offered to increase oil supplies to India and China as Strait of Hormuz tensions intensify. India imports nearly 2.5–2.7 mbd of crude through the key Gulf shipping route.

Japan and the U.S. are considering a nuclear power project under Tokyo’s $550 billion investment plan. Westinghouse and major Japanese firms may participate in tackling rising energy security concerns.