Indian Rupee trades calm while oil prices correct

The Indian Rupee (INR) remained relatively stable at around 95.40 against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday. Oil prices experienced a slight correction, with the MCX Crude Oil contract falling 0.85% to approximately Rs. 7,755. The Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which account for nearly 27% of global energy supply, remain a key concern.

With ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and potential supply disruptions, oil prices may resume their upward trend. However, Standard Chartered analysts suggest that the recent selling pressure is merely a temporary setback, as tight fundamentals in crude and product markets could support further upside. Higher oil prices could negatively impact India's economic growth and the government's investment expenditure, potentially leading to inflationary pressures.

Consequently, the bank has withdrawn the earlier expectation of a retail fuel price cut in FY27, anticipating that geopolitical risks and the current losses incurred by public-sector oil companies will keep fuel price reductions from occurring.