Base Oil (SN150) in Kandla

WTI crude oil hovers above $63/bbl, weighed by OPEC+ supply increases and U.S. trade tensions. Goldman Sachs highlights Trump’s historical preference for lower oil prices, adding uncertainty. While easing U.S.–China tariffs provided brief support, rising U.S. inventories and fragile geopolitical balances limit further upside. Market remains cautious and range-bound.

India has significantly ramped up U.S. crude oil imports, leveraging favorable WTI pricing and using energy trade as a strategic tool amid ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S. State refiners are leading the charge, while analysts expect continued import growth, potentially impacting regional freight, WTI pricing, and global energy trade dynamics.

Petroleum product prices in India show wide regional and packaging variations, with VG40, base oils, and lubricants trading at distinct levels. OPEC+ output hike and subdued demand are shaping global supply dynamics. Despite regional geopolitical tensions, oil prices remain stable due to unaffected supply chains and sufficient global inventories.

Oil and bitumen prices witnessed a sharp decline, driven by economic factors like increased inventories and reduced Chinese demand. Brent crude fell to a 2021 low, impacting global and Indian bitumen prices. Despite geopolitical tensions, market behavior remained largely economic. Iran’s port disaster adds further instability to regional pricing.

Crude oil prices dipped as Brent fell to $63.61 and WTI to $59.72, amid weaker Asian refinery demand and rising trade tensions. Meanwhile, the Indian Rupee marginally appreciated. India’s crude sourcing shifts toward the US, with record June purchases planned, positioning oil imports as leverage ahead of May’s India - US trade talks.

Crude oil prices rose modestly, with WTI at $64.19/bbl and Brent at $67.89/bbl. Domestic demand in India stays resilient, aided by easing inflation and fiscal headroom. Bitumen, base oil, and lubricants remain stable across regions. Export headwinds persist amid global tariff tensions, but GDP growth is projected at 6.5% for FY26.

Base Oil (SN150) is priced at ₹68/kg in Delhi and ₹61.5/litre in Kandla. In Bhiwadi, hydraulic and specialty oils range from ₹87 to ₹135/litre. UK imposes anti-dumping duties on engine oil and hydraulic fluid imports from Lithuania and UAE, aiming to protect domestic manufacturers from price undercutting and margin erosion.

Base oil prices in Asia remained soft in April amid sluggish demand and geopolitical uncertainty. Select grades like Bright Stock and Group III remain tight due to supply constraints. However, Group II prices faced downward pressure from rising inventories. Market outlook stays cautious as crude benchmarks decline and trade risks persist.

India’s average crude oil import price has fallen below $70 per barrel for the first time since August 2021, offering refiners a breather amid global volatility. Despite international supply fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, Indian fuel demand remains strong. With record-high import dependence and steady domestic consumption, refiners are likely to benefit from improved margins and better procurement terms.