Oil & Gas

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.

The pipes market is experiencing strong demand, driving up ERW/MS pipe prices by Rs 2-3 per kg. DI pipe manufacturers are running at full capacity to meet procurement needs for pending projects but have maintained stable pricing to ensure timely dispatches. Experts advise contractors to finalize orders this week to avoid potential supply bottlenecks.

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.

The pipe market is witnessing strong demand as contractors rush to finalize procurement before the financial year-end. DI pipe manufacturers are fully booked, while liquidity and order flow remain high. Despite the surge, prices have remained steady to ensure smooth supply. Experts advise contractors to place pending orders soon, as next week is expected to be congested with supply and dispatch operations.