Markets
12 premium articles
◆11 topics
Today's Edition
Monday, 20 April 2026
12 premium articles
◆11 topics
Today's Edition
Monday, 20 April 2026
The US Energy Information Administration dramatically revised its 2026 oil outlook upward to $79/barrel from $58, citing the Hormuz crisis. HSBC raised its forecast by $15 while Goldman projects a Q2 peak near mid-$80s. A prolonged blockade could push Brent to $140–$215.
US intelligence has spotted early signs of Iran readying naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. The vital strait, which carries 20% of global oil, has seen tanker traffic drop 97%. Oil prices jumped 16% on fears of a full blockade, with Iran's estimated stockpile at 2,000–6,000 mines.
A critical diesel shipment arrived in Bangladesh through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline from Assam's Numaligarh Refinery, fulfilling part of a 180,000-tonne annual agreement as the country battles fuel shortages worsened by the US-Israel-Iran war.
Emissions from a Chinese cobalt-processing plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo sickened hundreds of residents and workers as the company raced to increase output of a mineral critical to making electric-car batteries, according to a new environmental group report.
Brent crude futures fell about 9% to around $90 a barrel, deepening a decline that began after briefly surging to the highest intraday level since 2022, as markets digested hopes of strategic reserve releases and Trump comments on conflict duration.
India's central government invoked the Essential Commodities Act to prioritise natural gas allocation to the domestic cooking gas (LPG) and CNG sectors amid the energy crisis triggered by the Iran oil shock.
Air India announced emergency fuel surcharges on both domestic and international routes effective March 12, as India's jet fuel prices climb 40% in two weeks on the back of the US-Iran war and rupee depreciation.
Gold prices in India surged above ₹1,62,000 per 10 grams on March 10 as geopolitical uncertainty from the US-Israel-Iran war drives global safe-haven demand, with silver also rallying sharply.
Indian equity markets staged a sharp recovery on March 10, with Sensex rising 640 points and Nifty crossing 24,260 after two days of heavy selling triggered by oil price volatility from the Iran conflict.
Air India is implementing a phased fuel surcharge on all domestic and international flights, including Air India Express services, as aviation turbine fuel prices surge due to supply disruptions in the Gulf region.
Iran isn't winning this war, but it might if the U.S. halts strikes due to higher oil prices. The ayatollahs cannot be allowed to conclude that shutting down oil flows is their passport to survival.
Big-name hedge funds including Citadel, Millennium Management, and Point72 have been hit by significant dollar-figure losses amid market upheaval triggered by the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, ending two months of solid gains.
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