Daily Market Report

Oil & gas product prices remain mixed, with base oils, fuel oils, and lubricants showing grade and packaging-based variations. Global sanctions and trade shifts, particularly U.S. actions against Iranian crude, are creating supply-side uncertainty. OPEC+ production increases and stable inventory levels offer a buffer, but volatility risks remain high.

Petroleum and bitumen prices are on an upward trend in India amid geopolitical tensions, Red Sea disruptions, and strong domestic infrastructure demand. Crude discoveries and global policy shifts add to volatility. While Indian prices rise, European bitumen prices remain weak. Market outlook stays firm, though tempered by economic and geopolitical risks.

Base oil prices in India remain firm despite subdued demand, supported by tight global supply and ongoing refinery maintenance. Domestic sourcing has increased amid competitive pricing. Asia’s Group I and high-viscosity Group II grades face constraints, while Group III remains competitive. Market direction hinges on crude oil trends and refinery restarts.

Crude oil prices dipped slightly, with Brent at $71.91 and WTI at $68.02 per barrel. Indian refiners continue to prioritize discounted Russian crude despite sanctions, with March imports rising to 1.85 million bpd. Domestic petroleum product prices remain steady across key regions, while geopolitical factors continue to shape supply chains.

Crude oil prices are showing modest gains amid OPEC+ cuts and fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran. India’s crude output continues to decline, pushing import dependence to 89.4%. Global supply remains tight. Despite optimistic trends, domestic production struggles persist, reinforcing the need for upstream investment and policy reforms.

Crude oil prices rebounded amid China’s economic growth and geopolitical risks. India’s crude imports increased, with Russia emerging as the top naphtha supplier. Base oil prices remained mostly stable, though buyer sentiment remained cautious. Market volatility is expected due to global economic policies, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions.

Oil and bitumen prices continue to be influenced by global economic conditions. While crude oil remains volatile, bitumen prices are expected to rise in India by mid-March. Key developments include Iran’s rising bitumen demand, the U.S. maintaining record-high oil production forecasts, and India’s increasing crude oil imports. Experts predict that crude oil will remain within the $60-$80 range shortly, with volatility persisting in the bitumen market.

Indian refiners continue to benefit from discounted Russian crude, driving strong fuel exports to the US. Despite sanctions, Russian oil indirectly enters global markets through refined products. Regulatory scrutiny may tighten, but demand for Indian refined fuel remains high. Future trade dynamics will depend on crude prices and policy shifts.

India is diversifying crude oil imports, increasing purchases from Africa and South America while reducing Russian intake due to U.S. sanctions. Despite falling crude prices globally, domestic fuel rates remain stable, benefiting refiners.

Bitumen prices remain volatile due to fluctuating crude oil prices and supply chain disruptions. OPEC+ supply cuts and geopolitical factors are influencing demand trends. While prices declined in India, refinery price hikes could trigger rebounds. Experts predict continued volatility, with geopolitical and economic developments shaping future price movements globally.

Petroleum product prices remain stable, with base oil, fuel oil, and specialty oil rates varying by grade and packaging. Russian crude exports to India declined due to US sanctions, raising concerns over rising costs. Indian refiners are negotiating deeper discounts, while long-term supply agreements remain uncertain amid evolving global trade policies.

China’s crude oil imports fell 5% in early 2025 due to U.S. sanctions and port restrictions, raising freight costs and limiting supply. Refined product exports dropped 18%, while LNG imports declined 7.7%. However, imports are expected to rebound in March-April as refiners adapt, securing alternative crude and attracting more non-sanctioned tankers.