West Asia — western region of Asia

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Tuesday, October 13, 2026

West Asia

western region of Asia

In brief

Brent crude prices near $97–$100 amid West Asia tensions are fueling volatility in Indian markets and raising concerns that sustained higher oil costs will widen India’s current account deficit and lift inflation, given the country’s heavy crude imports. Analysts warn the oil shock could keep rupee pressures, push up the import bill, and weigh growth unless supply and geopolitical risks ease.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) saw its stock fall around 4–5% after reporting a Q1 FY27 consolidated net loss of about ₹12,265 crore, as elevated crude prices and weak marketing margins weighed on profitability amid West Asia tensions. Brokers volley mixed views on the stock, with Nomura Neutral and Macquarie bullish over a potential trough-quarter recovery, while Jefferies remains cautious about near-term earnings and valuations relative to peers.

LatestIndia Diet Coke price hike amid Iran warThe US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted aluminum-can supplies to India, triggering Diet Coke shortages and a wave of “Diet Coke parties,” before Coca-Cola raised prices by over 10% and switched to more costly, larger cans from Southeast Asia as supply chains remain stressed by Hormuz disruptions. Some bottlers are also testing alternative packaging like 200-ml glass bottles, underscoring persistent packaging shortages and price inflation in India's beverage market.Jul 24, 2026