Bourse ends October on a high, but financial stock index slips

In October 2026, India's consumption of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reached an 8-month high, with usage climbing to approximately 2.61 million tonnes (mt). Supplies of the essential cooking fuel surged from the United States and Algeria, despite the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz (SoH). The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) reported that LPG usage grew by about 2.8% month-over-month, though it declined by nearly 9% compared to the previous year.

The figures for October are provisional, marking the sixth consecutive month of rising LPG consumption as India secured additional cargoes from the US and Algeria.

However, Kpler anticipates a decline in India's LPG demand by around 100,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2026, primarily due to the impact of the SoH blockade, which affected roughly 90% of the country's imports. Despite this, Kpler predicts that LPG demand will recover during the fourth quarter of 2026, driven by the festival season and increased imports. Nevertheless, the recovery is expected to be incomplete, with a forecasted increase of about 60,000 b/d in 2027, recovering only half of the 2026 decline.

Meanwhile, India's diesel consumption surged to a 4-month high in October, up nearly 19% month-over-month, reaching 8.51 million tonnes (mt) on an annual basis. The surge was attributed to a rise in industrial, mining, and commercial activity, as well as increased agricultural activity due to Rabi crop sowing. Stockpiling of FMCG and FMCD prior to the Diwali season also contributed to the heightened consumption. Analysts suggest that diesel demand will remain robust in November and December.

Petrol consumption in October increased by 3% both monthly and annually, reaching 3.78 million tonnes (mt). The growth is attributed to sustained economic activity and the growing demand for motor spirit, driven by both four-wheelers and two-wheelers. Kpler forecasts a global decline in diesel demand by 500,000 b/d in 2026, making it the most adversely affected refined product.

However, India stands out as an exception, with diesel demand expected to rise by around 90,000 b/d. Similarly, global gasoline demand is projected to fall by 330,000 b/d in 2026, with India again being an exception, as its demand is anticipated to increase by 60,000 b/d due to incomplete price pass-through shielding consumers from the impact of international cost shocks.