
S&P Global warns geopolitical tensions may hit global oil demand
Premasish Das, Executive Director for Oil Markets Research, noted that geopolitical tensions and shifting trade policies, including U.S. tariffs, are slowing global growth, potentially reducing oil demand. China and the U.S. will see the biggest drop in refined fuel consumption. Despite this, India is expected to lead global oil demand growth, making diversification of crude imports a strategic necessity.
Additionally, OPEC+ recently raised oil output by 411,000 b/d, triggering a 20% drop in Brent crude prices. At the same time, conflict between Iran and Israel briefly pushed prices above $80/b. The average oil price for 2025 is now forecasted at $68/b, though increased supply could bring it below $60/b by year-end.
On the Indian side, the country's trade influence is also growing. Rahul Kapoor, Global Head of Shipping Research, highlighted India's reduced reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, down from 55% in 2019-2022 to 41% in 2024, due to rising Russian crude imports.
He stressed that global trade strategy must now consider geopolitical risks and supply chain reconfiguration, placing India at a strategic advantage.
On energy transition, Eduard Sala de Vedruna emphasized India's push to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, though S&P expects the target to be met by 2032. The current capacity has surpassed 200 GW. While challenges like infrastructure and regulatory hurdles remain, government support and private investment are accelerating progress.
Jenny Yang, Head of Power and Renewables Research, projected an 80% global rise in power demand by 2050. In India, non-fossil fuels are expected to make up 77% of power capacity by then.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
3 hours ago
- Observer
Tariff risks muddy global outlook for factories
LONDON: Worries over future US tariffs are clouding the outlook for factories across much of Asia and Europe, according to surveys released on Tuesday which nonetheless showed some were able to shrug off the uncertainty and keep growing. Among the bright spots, Japan's manufacturing read-out showed growth for the first time in 13 months, South Korea's activity contracted at a milder pace and China's Caixin PMI index also expanded in June - confounding an official survey that showed activity shrinking for a third straight month. In Europe, Ireland, Spain and the Netherlands were among the star performers even as the wider euro zone read-out was broadly flat and Britain continued to contract, albeit more slowly. Analysts said the underlying softness in surveys highlights the challenges facing businesses and policymakers as they try to navigate US President Donald Trump's moves to shake up the global trade order with sweeping tariffs. "We must recognise that the external environment remains severe and complex, with increasing uncertainties," said Wang Zhe, economist at Caixin Insight Group. The Caixin/S&P Global survey showed Chinese manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4, surpassing expectations in a Reuters poll. Japan's final au Jibun Bank PMI rose to 50.1 due to an upswing in output, but overall demand remained weak as new orders shrank on concern over U.S. tariffs. Factory activity in South Korea contracted for the fifth straight month though the pace of decline eased on relief over a snap presidential election on June 3 that ended six months of uncertainty. In manufacturing, India was a significant outlier in the region last month, as activity accelerated to a 14-month high, driven by a substantial rise in international sales that helped spark a record-breaking spurt in hiring. DEADLINE Negotiators from major US trading partners are rushing to reach deals with Trump's administration by a July 9 deadline to avoid import tariffs jumping to higher levels. While China is continuing its negotiations for a broader trade deal with the US, Japan and South Korea have so far failed to win concessions on the tariffs imposed on their mainstay export items like automobiles. The 27-member European Union is embarking on new talks in Washington later this week. The euro zone HCOB manufacturing Purchasing Managers' index, compiled by S&P Global, edged up to 49.5 in June from 49.4 in May, its highest level since August 2022 - but still remaining below the 50 mark denoting growth in activity. Moreover, national surveys revealed stark differences across the currency bloc. Ireland recorded the highest PMI at a 37-month peak of 53.7, while Greece, Spain, and the Netherlands also posted readings above 50. "We seem to be in a sweet spot at the moment where it's domestic activity that's driving the index," John Fahey, senior economist at AIB, said of the Irish read-out. "There may be some level of activity and investment that was postponed for two or three years, and you're just at the point now where that has to happen, even though there's a more uncertain global backdrop." While Germany's manufacturing PMI reached its highest in nearly three years, it still indicated contraction. France, Italy and Austria on the other hand registered faster declines in manufacturing conditions. In Britain, outside the European Union, the manufacturing sector showed some signs of turning a corner in its long slump. "That said, any hoped for stabilisation remains fragile and subject to potential headwinds that could severely impact demand, supply chain reliability and future growth prospects," said Rob Dobson, director at S&P Global market Intelligence.— Reuters


Times of Oman
10 hours ago
- Times of Oman
India: 34 killed in Telangana chemical factory blast: CM Reddy visits site, seeks detailed report
Sangareddy: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Tuesday visited Sigachi Pharma Industries in Sangareddy district, where at least 34 people were killed and several others sustained injuries in a deadly explosion a day ago. The Chief Minister held a review meeting and directed officials to submit a detailed investigation report into the cause of the blast. While interacting with factory authorities, Chief Minister Reddy asked, "Don't conclude with assumption or general opinion. I need specific reasons for this accident. Only then can we address what happened here today." The Chief Minister also enquired about the treatment status and hospital expenses of the injured victims. He said, "How many people are unskilled and skilled labour? Have you segregated the number of skilled and unskilled workers who died after the blast?" Revanth Reddy emphasised that such incidents should serve as a learning point for both the government and industry stakeholders. "We need to focus on what instructions we must give to avoid similar problems in other industries like this. There are two things we need from this: first, a detailed report, and second, accountability," he further said. He directed the officials not to rely on earlier inspections or reports and insisted on fresh evaluations by new experts. The Chief Minister also referred to possible compliance lapses by the industry and called for a review of past notices and penalties. So far, 34 people have lost their lives in the explosion and rescue operations continued at the site of the blast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the explosion. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured has been announced from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.


Times of Oman
12 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Oman expresses sympathy with India over chemical plant explosion
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has expressed its sympathy with the Republic of India over the explosion at a chemical plant in the southern state of Telangana. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed Oman's sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to the government and people of India, as well as to the families of the victims. Oman also extended its sincere wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.