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Isolated heavy rain expected in Tamil Nadu due to low pressure

Heavy rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu today, as a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lanka coast continues to influence weather patterns. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts light to moderate rain and thunderstorms across Tamil Nadu, with isolated heavy rainfall persisting for five days starting Tuesday. Similar weather is anticipated in Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Thunderstorms with gusty winds are also likely in these regions. Looking ahead, a new low-pressure system may develop over the Andaman Sea by Thursday, potentially intensifying into a storm. The US Climate Prediction Centre has estimated a 20-40% chance of a tropical storm forming in the Bay this week, while the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has increased this probability to 50% for the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 11 am

India-US sign LPG import deal for 2.2 mt in 2026

In a landmark agreement, Indian Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Monday that Indian public sector oil companies will import approximately 2.2 million tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States in 2026, marking a significant step in diversifying India's energy sources. This deal, which constitutes nearly 10% of India's annual LPG consumption, is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy product purchases from the US, aiming to double annual imports to $24-26 billion. The contract, based on the Mount Belvieu benchmark, follows discussions between Indian officials and US producers. Puri highlighted the government's commitment to providing affordable LPG to consumers, noting that despite soaring global prices, the Ujjwala scheme has kept cylinder costs low. This development comes amid increasing competition between the US and Saudi Arabia, India's primary LPG supplier, as global prices fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions and changing demand dynamics. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 1 pm

India delivers first jet fuel cargo to Chevron, US West Coast

India has made a significant move in the global energy market by exporting its first-ever jet fuel cargo to the US West Coast, specifically for Chevron, amid supply shortages in Los Angeles. The shipment, comprising approximately 60,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel, was loaded onto the Panamax tanker Hafnia Kallang at Reliance Industries' Jamnagar port and is expected to arrive in Los Angeles in early December. This export comes as Chevron's El Segundo refinery, which produces 285,000 barrels per day, has been offline since October due to a fire. While the US West Coast may face tight jet fuel supplies until repairs are completed in early 2026, traders suggest that imports from India may not become a regular occurrence due to cheaper alternatives from Northeast Asia. Current jet fuel prices in the US West Coast remain elevated, with stocks at a three-month low of 11.12 million barrels. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 12 pm

Govt restricts imports of specific platinum jewellery items

In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has imposed import restrictions on certain types of platinum jewellery, effective immediately until April 30, 2026. This decision follows similar curbs introduced in September on specific silver jewellery imports, which are also restricted until March 31, 2026. The measures aim to limit the influx of silver jewellery, particularly from Thailand, under the guise of unstudded pieces, leveraging India's free trade agreement with the ASEAN bloc. Importers will now be required to obtain a licence from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to bring in these goods. The move reflects ongoing efforts to regulate the jewellery market and manage trade balances amid rising import concerns. The latest notification from the DGFT underscores the government's commitment to tightening import policies in the precious metals sector. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 12 pm

FMCG Grows 12.9%, Rural Markets Surpass Urban Areas

The FMCG industry in India experienced a 12.9% year-on-year value growth in the September quarter, with rural markets outpacing urban consumption for the seventh consecutive quarter, according to NielsenIQ. Volume growth stood at 5.4%, while prices increased by 7.1%. Despite this growth, the overall performance was slightly lower than the previous quarter's 13.9% due to the impact of GST transitions. Rural markets recorded a 7.7% volume growth, compared to 3.7% in urban areas, although both segments saw a slowdown from June. E-commerce emerged as a significant growth driver, contributing 5% to urban FMCG sales, while small manufacturers outperformed larger firms in consumption growth. Food consumption remained stable at 5.4%, while Home and Personal Care (HPC) growth slowed to 5.5%. Analysts emphasize the need for agility and consumer-centric innovation to sustain momentum in a competitive landscape. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 12 pm

New Office Bearers Elected for Cotton Association of India

The Cotton Association of India has announced its new leadership team for the 2025-26 term, with Vinay N Kotak taking the helm as President. Bhupendrasingh Rajpal has been appointed as Vice President, while Shyamsunder M Makharia will serve as Additional Vice President. Rintu K Pandya has been designated as Honorary Treasurer, and Sudhirkumar Mantri will assume the role of Honorary Additional Treasurer. This restructuring aims to enhance the association's governance and support for the cotton industry in India. The announcement was made public on November 17, 2025. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 11 am

Monsoon Delays Q2 Air Conditioner Sales

Air-conditioner manufacturers are bracing for a sales rebound as they anticipate the benefits of a reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) from 28% to 18% to take effect in early 2026, coinciding with hopes for a hotter summer. Despite a temporary surge in sales following the GST reduction, demand has since waned, particularly after the festive season, leading to increased inventory levels. Blue Star's Managing Director, B. Thiagarajan, noted that current inventory stands at 65 days of sales, significantly higher than the ideal 45 days. Voltas' CFO, KV Sridhar, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for inventory liquidation as the industry prepares for the upcoming season and a new energy efficiency transition in January 2026. Companies are optimistic that retail momentum will improve in the current quarter, allowing for a healthier cash cycle and inventory levels as they navigate the lean season. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 10 am

India and US finalize landmark LPG agreement, says Puri

In a landmark move to bolster India's energy security, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri announced on Monday that Indian public sector oil companies have signed a one-year agreement to import liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the United States. This historic deal, which involves the import of approximately 2.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LPG, represents nearly 10% of India's annual LPG imports and is the first structured long-term contract for US LPG in the Indian market. Puri emphasized the importance of diversifying LPG sourcing to ensure secure and affordable supplies for Indian households, particularly benefiting women under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Despite a significant rise in global LPG prices, the government has managed to keep consumer prices stable, absorbing over ₹40,000 crore in costs. This agreement marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to enhance its energy independence. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 10 am

Vizhinjam Seaport aims to repatriate Indian cargo from abroad

The Vizhinjam International Seaport is poised to become a significant transshipment hub for India, aiming to reclaim cargo currently handled at foreign ports such as Singapore and Dubai. An official from Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd (AVPPL) highlighted that once the port reaches full capacity, it is expected to generate considerable consumer savings by reducing ship and navigation costs. Strategically located near key international shipping routes, the port benefits from its proximity to the east-west shipping axis, just 10 nautical miles away. Additionally, it is well-connected to the national infrastructure, with National Highway 47 only 2 km away, the rail network 12 km distant, and Trivandrum International Airport located 15 km from the site. The project is seen as a vital step in enhancing India's maritime capabilities and boosting economic growth. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 9 am

Evolving Ports for India's Agricultural Export Goals

India's agricultural exports, which include fruits, vegetables, spices, and processed foods, predominantly rely on its ports, with over 80% of shipments transported via this route. However, inefficiencies at ports such as Visakhapatnam and JNPT hinder competitiveness, acting as a hidden export tax that diminishes value for farmers and processors. Issues like cargo contamination, inadequate cold chain facilities, and high handling charges exacerbate spoilage risks and inflate costs. To enhance its global agricultural footprint and support a $5 trillion economy, India must invest in modernizing port infrastructure, improving cold chain systems, and streamlining regulatory processes. Proposed reforms include establishing integrated processing hubs, enhancing freight transparency, and developing inland container depots. By addressing these challenges, India can bolster its agricultural export ecosystem, benefiting farmers and the economy at large. sources

Published:
Nov 17 2025, 6 am

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