Fuel Oil (Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS)) Bulk in Jamnagar

Crude oil prices are relatively stable, with WTI at $62.69 and Brent at $64.76. India’s crude imports are set to rise in H2 2025 as refineries restart and expand. Russia remains a top supplier, while Brent-Dubai EFS makes Middle Eastern crude more attractive. Import diversification is expected to continue.

India’s average crude import price dropped to $72/barrel in March 2025, down from $84 a year earlier, driven by global price softening and diversified sourcing. While Russian crude remains a key supply, narrowing discounts and longer delivery times for U.S. imports are reshaping India’s strategy toward Middle East and West African suppliers.

Crude prices dipped slightly while natural gas edged up. India's crude imports from Russia hit a two-year high, signaling deepening ties. Ongoing OPEC+ adjustments and geopolitical shifts influence supply. Joint India-Russia clean energy projects, including a thorium SMR, hint at future diversification beyond hydrocarbons.

Oil and gas prices across India remain steady, but exports of petroleum products dropped sharply by 35% YoY in April 2025 due to reduced HSD and ATF shipments and planned refinery maintenance. While short-term volumes may remain subdued, upcoming capacity expansions and stable demand are expected to support future recovery.

India’s crude demand is rising, while production and exports dip. Bitumen and base oil prices hold steady. The government’s push for over 100 domestically built crude tankers will boost energy security and shipbuilding. Geopolitical risks and global tensions drive volatility, prompting interest in Iranian crude to diversify supply sources.

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.

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.

Virgin 180cST Furnace Oil prices in India are ₹47.5–₹49/kg. East China’s 180cST market declined 0.45% to $751/ton. Global inventories show mixed trends: fuel oil stocks rose, while middle distillates fell. Despite slight crude gains, cautious buying dominates, keeping fuel oil market sentiment consolidative amid OPEC+ policy uncertainties.