As oil costs tumble to ranges final seen in early 2021, India could also be gazing an surprising silver lining. Brent crude has slipped beneath $61 a barrel, whereas WTI is all the way down to $57.22 — marking a 15% drop since Donald Trump unveiled his tariff plans.
Funding advisor Gaurav Jain says the timing couldn’t be higher for India, which imports most of its oil. From curbing inflation to boosting foreign exchange reserves, the crude slide might hand the financial system a much-needed edge.
With oil costs falling sharply, India stands to realize on a number of financial fronts. Gaurav Jain, funding advisor, breaks down how this worth plunge might ripple positively throughout the financial system.
Reduces Import BillIndia imports almost 85% of its crude oil necessities. In FY23, the nation imported about 232 million tonnes of crude, valued at $158 billion. Jain notes, “A $10/barrel fall in oil costs can scale back the import invoice by ~$15 billion yearly.”
Improves Present Account Deficit (CAD)The RBI pegged CAD at 1.2% of GDP in FY24. Jain explains, “Each $1/barrel fall in crude can scale back CAD by $1.5–1.6 billion,” strengthening India’s exterior sector.
Cools InflationCrude costs affect gas, fertilizers, transport, plastics, and FMCG. In 2022, oil worth surges pushed WPI inflation above 12%. A decrease oil worth, Jain says, “helps cool each Client Value Index (CPI) and Wholesale Value Index (WPI).”
Eases Fiscal Deficit PressureIndia’s fiscal deficit for FY25 is focused at 5.1% of GDP. Cheaper crude cuts down on gas and gas-linked fertilizer subsidies. Jain provides, “This creates room for extra capital spending.”
Helps the RupeeIn FY22, hovering oil costs pressured the rupee to ₹83 per greenback. “Decrease crude means decreased greenback outflow,” Jain says, which helps foreign exchange reserves and forex stability.
Boosts ConsumptionFalling gas and LPG costs improve family disposable earnings. This may carry each rural and concrete consumption, serving to maintain GDP momentum.
Aids Key SectorsIndustries like airways, logistics, paints, tyres, and FMCG profit from cheaper oil. “Aviation gas types ~40% of airline prices — a drop in ATF immediately improves margins,” Jain notes.
Builds Foreign exchange ReservesWith decreased oil imports, India can save on greenback outflows and bolster its foreign exchange reserves — additional enhancing macro stability.
