Brent crude price drops below USD 78 per barrel first time since start of October

Amid global energy disruptions following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the government has assured that the domestic supply of LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and natural gas remains stable, while citizens are urged to avoid panic booking and conserve fuel, said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, today.

"India has sufficient gas production and supply arrangements to sustain this position even in the event of a prolonged conflict. Power generation for every household and for industry is fully protected," Hardeep Singh Puri said. Opposition members sloganeered and protested against Puri's remarks.

India's Consumer Price Index or retail inflation in February was recorded at 3.21 per cent, official data showed on Thursday.

Delhi is expected to witness another significant rise in electricity demand this summer. According to the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC), last year, Delhi's peak power demand had clocked 8442 MW. This year, it is likely to cross 9000 MW. The expected peak of over 9000 MW represents an increase of over 300 per cent compared to the 2879 MW recorded in 2002. Current trends suggest that Delhi's peak power demand is likely to cross the 10,000 MW mark by 2028-2029.

Indian stock markets settled in the red on Thursday as escalating tensions in West Asia and again a sharp rise in crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.