Stock markets drift on a flat note, Sensex above 39,000 mark

The deepening conflict in West Asia has placed the Indian economy and the broader Asian region in the "eye of the storm," as supply chain disruptions and surging energy costs threaten to trigger a significant negative growth shock.

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.

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.

If crude oil prices sustain above USD 100 per barrel in FY27, the Central government's annual additional expenditure could rise by Rs 3.6 lakh crore, according to a report by Elara Securities.