Export curbs on wood briquettes shift shipments to restricted authorisation amid West Asia supply concerns.
Export policy on wood briquettes is revised from free export to restricted export authorisation, so shipments may now be made only with government permission or a licence. The policy also eases exports of sawdust and wood waste and scrap, agglomerated in logs, briquettes, pellets or similar forms, from prohibited to restricted, with both categories now subject to restricted export authorisation.

Strait of Hormuz transit remains open for Indian-flagged LPG tankers despite conflict disruptions
Indian-flagged LPG tankers continued to transit the Strait of Hormuz despite the West Asia conflict, with two additional vessels safely crossing and proceeding toward Indian ports while 16 other Indian-flagged vessels remained stranded in the Persian Gulf. Officials stated that maritime operations remained safe and uninterrupted, and that the vessels still in the region included LNG, LPG, crude, container, dredger, chemical, and bulk cargo ships. The report notes that no information was available regarding any fee for passage through the strait, and records that Iran has said non-hostile vessels may transit after coordination with Iranian authorities.

Strait of Hormuz supply risk keeps oil markets volatile as countries seek alternative energy routes.
Global oil markets remained volatile amid escalating military action involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with attention focused on the threatened reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the wider disruption risk to energy supply routes. The shipping and trade implications of the Strait of Hormuz were highlighted as especially significant for countries dependent on imported energy, including Japan and South Korea, which were reported to be seeking reserve releases and alternative transport routes.

Essential commodity price monitoring continues as officials report stable supplies and urge action against hoarding and black marketing.
Government monitoring of essential commodity prices remains continuous amid West Asia-related market concerns, with officials reporting no unusual volatility in wholesale or retail prices. The consumer affairs machinery is tracking daily rates of 40 commodities from 528 centres, maintaining a control room for coordination with states, and watching complaints through the National Consumer Helpline. States have been urged to act against hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act, while the department continues efforts to safeguard food supply and market stability.

Geopolitical uncertainty lifts Asian shares as rising oil prices and Strait of Hormuz fears dominate markets.
Asian shares mostly rose as investors monitored rising oil prices and uncertainty surrounding the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz. Japanese and South Korean benchmarks advanced, while crude prices climbed on fears that the conflict could prolong global supply risks. Market sentiment remained dominated by geopolitical uncertainty and expectations of further developments from the United States.

Refinery transfer pricing discount squeezes standalone refiners as fuel price freeze keeps retail rates unchanged.
State-run oil marketing companies have fixed discounted refinery transfer prices for petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel and kerosene in response to a freeze on retail fuel prices and rising global crude oil costs. The revised pricing reduces refinery receipts below import-parity-linked costs and is expected to affect standalone refiners more sharply than integrated oil companies, because the latter can partly offset losses across refining and marketing operations.

Pharmaceutical exports continue steady growth as India targets wider markets, stronger regulation and long-term expansion.
India's pharmaceutical exports continued to grow, with exports up to February exceeding USD 28 billion and rising 5.6 per cent year-on-year, led by formulations, biologicals, vaccines and AYUSH products. Industry representatives said the sector is likely to end the financial year broadly in line with the previous year, despite global pricing pressure and trade volatility, while future growth is expected through policy prioritisation, market diversification, foreign direct investment and improved regulatory efficiency.

Supply chain disruption from West Asia crisis threatens Indian exports, imports, and pharma inputs as government diversifies sourcing.
The West Asia crisis is disrupting Indian imports and exports, with energy and regional trade flows under pressure. A prolonged conflict could also affect exports to other regions by altering supply chains and value chains, while the government seeks to minimise disruption and diversify imports. The pharma sector is facing impact from shortages of intermediates and solvents, and supply chain resilience is being prioritised.

Maritime supply continuity keeps LPG inflows moving despite Strait of Hormuz disruption and regional shipping tensions.
Continued LPG inflows to India are reported despite disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, with an Indian-flagged tanker safely transiting the waterway and an Iranian LPG cargo reaching Mangalore for discharge. Maritime authorities are monitoring vessel movements, port operations and crew safety, while coordinating with ship owners, Indian missions and the Directorate General of Shipping. Several Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded on the western side of the strait, though seafarers are safe and port operations across India remain normal.

Pharmaceutical exports growth reflects strong global demand, diversified markets and compliance-led expansion despite pricing pressures.
India's pharmaceutical exports continued to expand despite global pricing pressure and trade volatility, with outbound shipments reaching over USD 28 billion up to February of the current financial year and recording growth of 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period in the previous year. Export growth was led by formulations, biologicals, vaccines and AYUSH products, while the sector's total export performance in the preceding financial year also showed strong year-on-year growth. Pharmexcil indicated that export expansion would depend on policy prioritisation, market diversification, increased foreign direct investment inflows and improved regulatory efficiency, with a medium-term export target of USD 65 billion by 2030.

Crude import flexibility keeps India's fuel supply secure despite reports of Iranian cargo diversion.
India said there are no payment hurdles for Iranian crude imports and that refiners continue to secure oil from Iran and a wide range of global suppliers. It rejected reports of an Iranian cargo diversion as factually incorrect, stating that destination changes during transit are common in oil trade for commercial and operational reasons. The ministry said crude oil requirements remain fully secured for the coming months, and noted that an LPG vessel carrying Iranian LPG has berthed at Mangalore and is discharging cargo.

Global export hub logistics for Lalitpur Pharma Park strengthened through port connectivity and freight corridor integration.
Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority have entered into a memorandum of understanding to develop the proposed Lalitpur Pharma Park as a global export hub by linking the industrial cluster to international maritime trade routes. The cooperation contemplates use of the Dadri-Khurja rail link with the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor to create a multi-modal rail network for movement of pharmaceutical goods to JNPA, supporting import of raw materials and export of finished pharmaceutical products.

Indian pharmaceutical exports maintain growth momentum as formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products lead performance.
Indian pharmaceutical exports maintained growth momentum despite global pricing pressures and trade volatilities, with shipments reaching over USD 28 billion up to February in FY26 and registering year-on-year growth of 5.6 per cent over the corresponding period in FY25. Export performance was led by formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products.

Customs enforcement along the India-Nepal border led to seizure of undocumented soft drinks and air conditioners.
Customs enforcement along the India-Nepal border led to seizure of soft drinks and air conditioners being moved without valid customs documents. A vehicle carrying 1,575 bottles of soft drinks was intercepted after the driver tried to flee, while two split air conditioners transported on bicycles were also recovered in a separate patrol operation. The goods, vehicle and bicycles were handed over to the Customs Department.

Indian pharmaceutical exports show sustained growth as formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products drive resilience.
Indian pharmaceutical exports recorded sustained growth in FY26, reaching nearly USD 29 billion by the end of February and increasing over the corresponding period in the previous financial year. The export performance was led by formulations, biologicals, vaccines and Ayush products, and was described as resilient despite global challenges, pricing pressures and trade volatility. The sector's overall value was placed at about USD 60 billion, with projected expansion to USD 130 billion by 2030.

Supply chain disruption hits Bikaner snack exports as conflict delays shipments and raises freight and input costs.
West Asia conflict has disrupted Bikaner exports and imports, causing delays in shipments of bhujia, papad, namkeen and spices to Gulf and European markets. Traders report longer transit routes, container shortages, higher freight charges, rising raw material and packaging costs, and consignments stuck at ports or in transit, affecting the city's export-driven economy.

Egg brand initiative to boost poultry farming, strengthen local production and support rural entrepreneurship in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is planning to develop a state-specific egg brand and expand poultry farming to strengthen local egg production, reduce dependence on imports from southern states and improve supply chain stability. The initiative is linked to rural entrepreneurship and allied agricultural activity, with the aim of creating a stable market for poultry farmers, improving quality assurance and increasing incomes in rural areas. Financial assistance is being provided under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Pashudhan Udyojakata Yojana for poultry units at two levels, with higher subsidy support for SC and ST beneficiaries.

LPG supply prioritisation reshapes refinery allocations as propylene is partly redirected to ease petrochemical shortages.
The government has adjusted refinery output directions in response to LPG import disruptions and petrochemical feedstock shortages. After requiring C3 and C4 streams to be used exclusively for LPG production, the Ministry later allowed part of the propylene supply to return to the petrochemical industry. The policy is presented as a balance between domestic LPG supply security and the needs of sectors such as packaging and condom manufacturing, alongside partial restoration and enhancement of commercial LPG allocations for priority consumers.

Trade liberalisation under India-Australia ECTA expands market access, boosts exports, and advances zero-duty access for Indian goods.
India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement has completed four years, marking stronger bilateral economic engagement through expanded market access, reduced trade barriers, and deeper trade and supply-chain linkages. India has granted preferential access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, while Australia has granted preferential access on 100% of its tariff lines and imports from India, with most lines duty-free immediately and all Indian exports eligible for zero-duty access from 1 January 2026. The Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Organic Products supports trade by recognising certification systems and reducing duplication, cost, and time.

Customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical inputs aims to ease supply disruptions and support downstream manufacturing.
Full customs duty exemption is granted on critical petrochemical products as a temporary and targeted relief measure in response to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and resulting supply chain disruptions. The exemption continues until 30 June 2026 and is intended to ensure continued availability of essential petrochemical inputs for domestic industry, reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors, and maintain supply stability. The notified products cover petrochemical feedstock, intermediates and related industrial inputs used across multiple manufacturing sectors.