liquefied natural gas

A key fertilizer plant in Paradip faces a potential shutdown within a month due to a global ammonia shortage, exacerbated by West Asia conflicts disrupting crucial shipping routes. This could impact the production of vital crop-boosting fertilizers like DAP and urea, raising concerns among farmers about future availability and rising costs.

India has requested the US to extend its waiver on Russian oil imports due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This waiver, crucial for stabilizing oil markets, is set to expire on May 16. Despite US pressure to reduce discounted Russian oil purchases, India prioritizes stable energy supplies, warning of economic consequences from market volatility.

US President Donald Trump has signaled openness to renewed peace talks with Iran, a shift from his previous threats of military action. Saudi Arabia welcomed this diplomatic approach. Iran's chief negotiator, however, warned of retaliation, viewing the US stance as an attempt to reignite conflict.

India has reportedly sought an extension from the US to continue importing Russian oil, with the current waiver expiring May 16. The Congress party has sharply criticized PM Modi, accusing his government of "trading away India’s honour and dignity" and compromising energy security by "groveling before America" for permission.

Oil prices edged higher as supply disruption fears from the Iran conflict and falling US crude stockpiles emerged. Brent crude reached $105.83 and WTI $99.23, recovering from a sharp decline after US-Iran negotiation reports. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist, impacting global shipments and forcing nations to tap reserves.

India has reportedly rejected Russian LNG cargoes under US sanctions, despite energy security worries. A sanctioned Russian LNG shipment is now stranded near Singapore as India navigates compliance risks. While India continues to import Russian crude, LNG is harder to conceal from global tracking systems. Discussions are ongoing for non-sanctioned Russian supplies.

Middle East conflict jitters are pushing oil prices higher, with Brent crude and WTI futures seeing gains. Ceasefire talks with Iran are reportedly "on life support" following Tehran's response to a US proposal, which included broader regional demands. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage, remains a key flashpoint, with Iran asserting control, raising concerns about global energy supplies.

Oil prices saw a slight uptick as traders awaited crucial talks between US President Trump and China's Xi Jinping. Lingering concerns over the Strait of Hormuz disruptions and the ongoing Middle East conflict are keeping markets on edge. Despite US pressure, China's continued reliance on Iranian oil adds complexity to potential resolutions.

NATO is considering deploying forces to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz if the blockade persists into July, a move that would significantly alter the alliance's stance on the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Growing economic pressure from soaring energy prices is driving this reconsideration, with leaders set to discuss the issue at an upcoming summit.

Indian consumers may soon face higher prices as wholesale inflation surges, driven by global conflicts impacting commodity and energy costs. While retail inflation remains soft for now, a widening gap between wholesale and consumer price indices suggests businesses will likely pass on increased production expenses, leading to costlier everyday goods and services in the coming months.

US inflation surged in April, reaching a three-year high driven by escalating fuel costs linked to the Iran-US conflict. This rise complicates the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, as petrol prices have significantly increased, impacting household budgets and raising concerns about broader economic fallout.

Oil prices dipped Wednesday after a three-day rally, with traders watching the Iran conflict's ceasefire and the Trump-Xi summit. Despite a slight fall, crude remains above $100 a barrel due to ongoing supply fears. Analysts predict elevated prices for months, impacting global inflation and potentially delaying US interest rate cuts.

The UAE sought a joint military response from Gulf nations against Iran after Tehran's attacks, but Saudi Arabia and Qatar refused, citing it as "not their war." This disagreement strained UAE ties with its neighbors and contributed to Abu Dhabi's growing frustration with regional partners.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly impacted global bunker fuel supply, leading to soaring prices, particularly in Asia. This is forcing shipping firms to cut speeds and explore alternative fuels, with experts warning of increased freight costs and consumer prices.

The US has sanctioned ten individuals and companies, including those in China and Hong Kong, for aiding Iran's drone and ballistic missile programs. These measures aim to curb Iran's military capabilities and its threat to regional shipping. The sanctions target entities involved in procuring weapons components and raw materials, with a warning to foreign firms engaged in illicit Iranian trade.

President Trump's Beijing visit concluded without major breakthroughs, highlighting a widening gap in core interests between the US and China. While projecting stability, the meetings revealed limited cooperation on issues like Iran and Taiwan, with trade offering the only tangible deliverables. Both leaders claimed victory, entering a transactional phase focused on leverage.

As President Trump arrives in Beijing, anticipation runs low for any breakthroughs regarding China's influence over Iran and the vital Strait of Hormuz. His agenda includes discussions on trade and the pressing issue of fentanyl, yet underlying tensions over their differing views on geopolitical conflicts threaten to overshadow these talks.

While the US and Israel engaged in conflict with Iran, China quietly leveraged the situation to expand its influence. By positioning itself as a diplomatic alternative and stabilizing energy supplies, Beijing benefited from a weakened American strategic position and growing uncertainty about US reliability among allies.

President Trump's evolving stance on Taiwan ahead of his summit with Xi Jinping sparks concern. Despite a large arms sale, Trump has questioned Taiwan's role in semiconductor business and sought payment for protection. Analysts fear Taiwan could be a bargaining chip, though US officials maintain policy remains unchanged.

Pakistan's economy faces sustained pressure with double-digit inflation likely to persist due to surging global oil prices amid the Middle East crisis. Rising energy costs and regional instability are projected to slow GDP growth and widen the current account deficit, impacting the stock market and currency.

President Trump described US naval actions enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports as "like pirates," highlighting the profitable seizure of ships and cargo. He also cited military action against Iran's nuclear program to protect the region and noted internal divisions within Iran's leadership complicating negotiations.

US Central Command reports 41 tankers carrying 69 million barrels of oil are blocked from offloading due to US enforcement measures, cutting off Iranian trade. President Trump has directed aides to prepare for an extended blockade, viewing it as a high-risk, effective strategy to pressure Tehran on its nuclear program.

A Russian-linked superyacht, Nord, owned by sanctioned billionaire Alexey Mordashov, has successfully sailed through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway remains a flashpoint amid ongoing tensions, with maritime traffic significantly reduced. The yacht's passage highlights its defiance of sanctions and the complex geopolitical landscape.