LubriEdge Gear Oil Price (Gear Oil 150) in Bhiwadi

Russian Urals crude maintains a strong pricing edge over Saudi grades, reshaping Asian trade flows. China and India increase reliance on discounted Russian barrels, while U.S. tariffs on Indian imports raise geopolitical tension. Saudi Aramco adjusts supplies to defend market share. Competitive pricing and politics drive short-term crude market trends.

Crude oil and bitumen prices softened amid weak demand and rising stockpiles, especially in the U.S. Trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties added further downward pressure. Bitumen prices in Europe dipped slightly, while Bahrain held steady. Markets remain volatile, with investor sentiment cautious ahead of further trade and policy developments.

India's oil market remains tight as refiners rush to replace Russian crude amid geopolitical tensions and Western scrutiny. Brent and WTI prices remain steady, but Indian bitumen prices vary across grades and locations. Urgent tenders and sourcing shifts point to rising procurement costs and heightened volatility in global energy markets.

Bitumen and base oil prices showed mixed regional trends, with sharp drops in VG40 and firm furnace oil rates. Crude oil markets strengthened on falling U.S. inventories and Russian export cuts. Despite temporary supply easing from Venezuela, global prices are expected to remain firm, supported by supply constraints and geopolitical developments.

The EU plans to lower the Russian oil price cap from $60 to $45–50 per barrel, aiming to curb Moscow’s revenue. This could trigger crude price volatility and boost demand for discounted Russian oil from countries like India. Previously, Russia bypassed the cap’s impact by inflating freight and insurance costs, maintaining near-market earnings despite restrictions.

Brent crude has softened to $82.34/barrel on recession fears, but disciplined OPEC+ output keeps the downside in check. In India, bitumen prices continue to rise, especially at Kandla, amid tight import supply and strong restocking demand. Market sentiment remains bullish due to ongoing monsoon disruption and limited PSU allocations.

Bitumen prices across global markets show mixed trends as early monsoon weakens Indian demand while geopolitical instability, especially the Israel-Iran conflict, tightens supply. Crude volatility and force majeure conditions in Iran are disrupting export flows, with Europe and China facing upward pressure. Market participants must brace for heightened price and supply risks.

Oil prices fell nearly 5% to $65.72/bbl following the Iran-Israel ceasefire, relieving pressure on Indian refiners but straining upstream firms like ONGC and Oil India. Domestic petroleum prices remained steady. Refining margins improved due to lower input costs, but global demand hesitancy and high inventories continue to weigh on market sentiment.

Petroleum product prices in India remain steady amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While supply is currently uninterrupted, the threat of a Strait of Hormuz blockade is prompting India to prepare contingency plans, including export curbs. Strategic reserves and sourcing diversification may shield domestic markets from immediate disruption, but global pricing remains volatile.