Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) emerged among the key beneficiaries as crude prices retreated to pre-conflict levels, raising expectations of improved marketing margins.
OMC stocks trade in green
Shares of major state-run fuel retailers gained during early trade:
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL): Up 0.82%
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL): Up 0.43%
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC): Up 0.23%
The decline in crude oil prices is generally viewed as positive for OMCs, as lower input costs can help improve profitability and ease pressure on fuel marketing margins.
Aviation sector takes off
The aviation sector also witnessed strong buying interest as lower crude prices reduced Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs, one of the biggest expenses for airlines.
Among the top gainers were:
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo): Up 3.12%
SpiceJet Ltd.: Up 2.44%
Lower fuel costs boost sentiment
ATF prices are directly linked to global crude oil movements. A sustained decline in oil prices can significantly reduce operating costs for airlines, improving earnings prospects and boosting investor sentiment.
Crude prices continue to retreat
Global oil prices extended their decline after a sharp fall in the previous session.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, dropped 4.3 percent on Wednesday and was trading near $73 per barrel on Thursday. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped below the $70-per-barrel mark.
The easing in oil prices is seen as a positive development for India, one of the world's largest crude importers, as lower energy costs can help reduce inflationary pressures and improve corporate profitability.