Topic
demand
Commodities Diesel Prices Above $5.60 as Refining Crisis, Not Crude, Drives Market
On-road diesel prices hit the high $5.60s as crack spreads surged above $100 per barrel, far beyond the normal $15–$25 range, according to a FreightWaves interview with Aaron Decker, CEO of Multi-Service Fuel Card. Decker said the problem is refining capacity, not crude, with Ukrainian drone strikes and record-low distillate inventories tightening supply. He expects diesel to remain above $5 for the foreseeable future.
Commodities India's Lower Sugar Quota for Domestic Sales Failed to Tame Demand, Says Industry
India's lower monthly sugar sales quotas failed to tame demand, with wholesale prices surging to Rs 6,036 per quintal by August 26, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Mills dispatched 7% more sugar than allotted between October 2025 and May 2026, while ISMA estimates closing stocks at just 36 lakh tonnes by September 30.
Supply Chain Fashion Retail’s Inventory Race Shifts From 'Less Stock' to 'Smarter Stock'
Supply chain and merchandising leaders at the ETRetail ShopFWD Summit 2026 argued that cutting inventory across the board is less effective than building 'smart inventory' — deeper stock behind proven sellers and controlled breadth on experimental lines. The shift prioritises availability, replenishment speed and SKU-level accuracy over aggregate stock targets.
Logistics Ocean Freight Rates Surge 400% as Carriers Cut Capacity, Demand Flat
Ocean freight spot rates have surged more than 400% on transpacific lanes even as China-to-U.S. volumes decline roughly 1%, according to FreightWaves SONAR data. The spike is driven by capacity control and strategic blank sailings by top carriers, not demand. Shippers should prepare for continued rate and capacity volatility through Q4.
Logistics Data Center Construction Drives Truckload Freight Demand Beyond Headline Metrics, Analysts Say
Dr. Jason Miller and Ken Adamo argue that data center construction is generating significant freight volume that traditional metrics undercount. Air freight imports are up 17% year over year, while heavy equipment makers Caterpillar, Eaton, and Cummins report higher volumes. Capacity remains tight, with tender rejections around 13% and no major carrier entry expected until mid-2027.
Logistics Freight Volumes Drop to Slowest Monday of Year as Contract Repricing Reshapes Truckload Market
Freight volumes collapsed to their lowest Monday of the year, according to FreightWaves, as rapid contract repricing routed freight from the spot market back to routing guides. Intermodal volumes hit records on eastern corridors with contract rates 34% below truckload. Capacity is growing on paper, but flat transportation employment and driver shortages leave the market imbalanced.
Finance India’s forex demand shifts beyond metros as tier-2, tier-3 cities take 53% share
Tier-2 and tier-3 cities accounted for 53% of India's foreign exchange demand, with tier-2 alone at 41%, according to Thomas Cook India's Forex Report 2026. Leisure travel drove 57% of transactions, the US dollar led currency demand at 49%, and digital purchases grew 25% year-on-year.
Logistics Freight Market Rejection Index: Is the Softness Misleading? SONAR Update
FreightWaves' SONAR update shows the freight market is stronger than it looks: the national tender rejection index at ~13.5% exceeded every 2024 reading, and intermodal contract rates are 34% below truckload rates. Spot rates are $3.34 per mile, 21% above last year. Shippers should consider mode conversion to rail before peak-season tightening begins in mid-October.
Commodities India's coal demand seen at 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030 as govt pushes market-driven trade
India's coal demand is projected to rise to 1.6 billion tonnes by 2030, said Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt at the Global Commodity Conclave 2026. With domestic production past 1 billion tonnes, the government plans a many-to-many coal exchange and eventual derivatives market for transparent, market-driven price discovery.
Commodities West Asia tensions ease, reviving orthodox tea demand at Kochi auctions
Easing West Asia tensions have revived orthodox tea demand at the Kochi auctions, with average prices rising ₹4 per kg to ₹177 and sales hitting 98 per cent in Sale 33. Middle East and CIS buyers supported premium grades, while CTC dust prices also firmed by ₹2 per kg.
Commodities China's Cotton Yarn Demand Fuels India's Cotton Consumption Growth, USDA Says
Indian cotton yarn exports to China tripled in the first 10 months of the 2025-26 marketing year, raising India's share of China's yarn import market from 7% to 21%, the USDA reported. The surge is fuelling record Indian cotton consumption, forecast at 26.5 million bales in 2026-27. Global consumption is set to hit a six-year high of 122.9 million bales.
Commodities India's edible oil imports jump 33.3% in July on higher palm, soybean oil demand
India's edible oil imports surged 33.3% in July 2026 to 14.81 lakh tonnes, driven by higher palm and soybean oil demand, according to SEA. Palm oil imports jumped 49.89% and soybean oil rose 31.05%. For the first nine months of the oil year, total imports grew 5%.
Commodities Crude oil futures fall as OPEC, IEA predict decline in demand in 2026
Crude oil futures fell on August 13, 2026 as OPEC and IEA both revised 2026 demand forecasts downward, with October Brent at $88.55 (down 0.48%) and September WTI at $82.76 (down 0.61%). The IEA projects a 1.6 million barrel-per-day decline in 2026 demand, citing the Strait of Hormuz closure and elevated fuel prices.
Logistics AI Data Center Demand to Triple by 2030, GXO CEO Says on Logistics Impact
GXO Logistics CEO Patrick Kelleher told FreightWaves Today that data center capacity will triple by 2030, driving demand for contract logistics. He detailed GXO's data center services, humanoid robotics economics, reindustrialization's impact on warehouse locations, and a new UK defense partnership.
Commodities Coconut Oil Prices on the Boil on Onam Demand
Onam festival demand has lifted wholesale coconut oil prices to around ₹260 a kg in Kerala, with copra at ₹168 a kg, according to traders. While some traders allege artificial price creation, industry observers point to improved supplies and expect only moderate upward pressure in the coming weeks.
Commodities Ethanol supplies cross 800 crore litres: Why India's next challenge is demand
India's cumulative ethanol supplies crossed 800 crore litres in ESY 2025-26, according to AIDA data. Grain-based feedstocks, led by maize and surplus FCI grains, now account for 76% of July supplies, while sugarcane-based ethanol's share slipped to 24%. AIDA says the next challenge is creating enough demand for expanded capacity through higher blending and flex-fuel vehicles.
Commodities India's power demand hits new peak, evening supply gap widens to 3,045 MW
India's evening power supply gap widened to 3,045 MW in June, significantly higher than the preceding two months, as peak demand rose around 12% year-on-year and hit a record 270.8 GW in May. The northern region accounted for the largest shortfall, with the government citing El Nino and transmission constraints as key drivers.
Commodities Indian domestic cotton prices rise on global cues, firm mill demand
Indian domestic cotton prices strengthened, with Cotton Corporation of India raising prices by ₹700 per candy on firm mill demand amid depleting stocks. Cotton acreage has caught up at over 106 lakh hectares, while ICE futures hover near 84 cents per pound. India's closing stocks are projected to decline to 75-80 lakh bales by end-September.
Logistics AI Data-Centre Boom Sets Shipowners and Tech Giants Racing for Same Engines
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' record $676m, 1,000 MW engine contract for US AI data centres shows how the AI boom is pulling marine engine capacity into land-based power, threatening delivery delays for shipowners. Engine makers from Wärtsilä to Rolls-Royce are expanding production, but pressures on dual-fuel main engines and generator sets persist, Splash247 reports.
Finance As Demand Shoots Up, Banks Strengthen Gold Loan Muscle
Indian banks are strengthening gold loan capabilities by adding appraisers and digitising processing as demand surges. The segment grew 105% year-on-year in May to about Rs 5.2 lakh crore, according to RBI data, while CRIF estimates the total market at Rs 18.6 lakh crore. Banks are cutting disbursal times to around 15 minutes to challenge NBFC dominance.
Commodities India's gas demand returns to pre-disruption levels, but global LNG competition rises: Equirus
India's natural gas consumption recovered to 197 mmscmd in June 2026, up 7% month-on-month and 2% year-on-year, according to Equirus. The recovery was driven entirely by LNG, which rose 13% month-on-month, lifting import dependence to 56%. Rising Asian spot prices, stronger Chinese buying and disrupted Qatar supply cloud the outlook.
Logistics Shipowners shouldn't assume today's strong recycling market will last, Wirana warns
Limited demolition supply and intense buyer competition have made ship recycling a seller's market, but Wirana Shipping warns owners not to assume it will last. Strong freight markets are keeping older vessels trading, while Red Sea reopening or easing Iran sanctions could flip the balance.
Commodities Record US Beef Prices Fail to Boost Rancher Profits as Cattle Supply Dwindles
US supermarket beef prices are 12% higher than a year ago, driven by the smallest cattle herd since 1951. But ranchers like Eric Gropper say record calf prices are offset by soaring input costs, and feedlots are also buying at all-time highs, according to BBC Business.
Commodities Urad Prices Ease on Improved Crop Prospects, Weak Demand; Mandi Price at Rs 8,638
Urad (black matpe) prices eased to Rs 8,638 per quintal as of August 3, down from Rs 8,908 a week earlier, amid improved kharif acreage across Central and North India and weak millers' demand. Acreage rose 10 per cent to 21.08 lakh hectares as of July 31. The India Pulses and Grains Association expects prices to remain under pressure in the near term.
Business India's services PMI falls to 53.3, hits 4.5-year low as demand, new orders lose momentum
India's services PMI fell to 53.3 in July from 57.4 in June, its weakest reading in 53 months, as new business inflows slowed on softer demand and intense competition. The composite PMI dropped to 54.3, while hiring rebounded modestly and selling prices rose at the fastest pace since April.
Logistics Matson Q2 Profit Surges as China Shipping Demand Drives Earnings Beat
Matson, Inc. reported Q2 2026 net income of $129.4 million, up 36.6%, as China service volume rose 15.2% to 37,200 FEUs. Premium CLX and MAX freight rates beat expectations, prompting a higher full-year outlook. Hawaii and Alaska volumes slipped.
Logistics July Manufacturing PMI Hits Four-Year High of 55.6; LTL Carriers Report Rising Tonnage
The ISM Manufacturing PMI jumped to 55.6 in July, the highest reading in four years, signaling sustained industrial expansion. LTL carriers reported July tonnage up 5.1% year over year, with ArcBest, XPO, and Old Dominion beating seasonal trends. Shippers face slower supplier deliveries and low customer inventories.
Commodities Fertiliser demand rebounds with revival in kharif sowing; urea continues to dominate sales
Fertiliser demand rebounded in the first half of July as kharif sowing recovered after a weather-induced slowdown, with sales reaching 41.09 lakh tonnes by July 17 against a projected 74.28 lt. Urea continued to dominate off-take at 25.86 lt, while the Agriculture Ministry projected August demand at 66.36 lt across the four major fertilisers.
Commodities Global Gold Demand Flat at 1,269 Tonnes in April-June Quarter: WGC Report
Global gold demand was virtually flat at 1,269 tonnes in the April-June quarter of 2026, according to the World Gold Council. Investment demand eased due to lower prices, but central bank purchases jumped 62%. Jewellery demand fell 17% in volume terms.
Logistics GTT Projects 550 New LNG Carriers Needed by 2035, Signaling Fleet Expansion
GTT expects around 550 LNG carriers to be ordered between 2026 and 2035, adding to the current record orderbook of 338 ships. The forecast is driven by 37m tonnes per annum of new liquefaction capacity reaching FID this year and a projected 5% annual LNG demand growth, primarily from Asia. Shipyard capacity is expanding to meet demand, with Korean and Chinese yards expected to exceed 100 annual slots by 2028.
Logistics Freight Rates Soar on Capacity Crunch, Not Demand: Q2 Earnings Confirm Tight Market Through 2027
Major carriers' Q2 earnings reports indicate the freight market is tightening due to capacity constraints rather than surging demand, with spot rates at $3.53 per mile and contract rates up 18% year-over-year. Regulatory pressures and high barriers to entry are keeping capacity tight, while Brent crude oil at $100 per barrel adds fuel cost pressure. FreightWaves analysts expect the cycle to persist through at least 2027.
Supply Chain AI Data Center Boom: Is It an Absolute Bubble for Freight? Freight demand split, bubble warning
Freight demand is bifurcated: consumer-centric sectors like beverages and appliances struggle, while industrial demand for electrical goods, data centers, and batteries soars. Dr. Jason Miller of Michigan State University warns the AI data center build-out could be an 'absolute bubble', mirroring past tech booms and impacting trucking capacity and future freight volumes.
Logistics Trucking Market Update: International Container Spot Rates Surge 400% as Retail Peak Season Looms
International container spot rates have surged 400%, according to FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller. The domestic trucking market remains quiet but strong intermodal activity and an anticipated surge of long-haul volume from the West Coast signal a tightening freight market ahead of the retail peak season. Regulatory crackdowns are further impacting capacity.
Commodities Why Has China's Oil Imports Fallen So Sharply, and What Does It Mean for Global Markets?
China's oil imports have dropped sharply from an average of 11.5 million bpd to around 8 million bpd since April, with June shipments at 40% of pre-Iran war levels. The decline, driven by lower fuel demand, electrification, and economic slowdown, has kept global prices in check but raised uncertainty about permanence.
Logistics Prologis Sees Record Leasing Demand for Logistics Warehouses, Raises Full-Year Outlook
Prologis reported a strong second quarter with record lease signings of 67 million square feet and revenue of $2.43 billion, beating estimates. The company raised its full-year core FFO outlook to $6.22-$6.30 per share, driven by robust demand for logistics warehouses. U.S. net absorption hit 66 million square feet, the highest since 2022, and Prologis expects rent growth to outpace inflation in tight markets like Texas, the Southeast, the Midwest and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Manufacturing Aastha Spintex secures ₹77 crore cotton yarn order, boosting production visibility
Aastha Spintex has reported a ₹77 crore order book for cotton yarn for July–October 2026, representing over 21% of FY25 revenue. The orders, backed by repeat customers, follow the acquisition of Falcon Texotube which doubled spinning capacity to 17,457 MT.
Commodities Weak monsoon may boost soluble fertiliser demand but price surge remains key risk: SFAI
India's soluble fertiliser sector faces a dual dynamic: weak monsoon could lift demand for water-soluble products, but a 60-100% price surge over the past year, driven by China's export curbs and West Asia tensions, poses a bigger risk to consumption. SFAI President Rajib Chakraborty warns that high prices may push farmers to cheaper substitutes, while immediate supply is cushioned by stock carryover from last year's poor consumption.
Commodities India’s natural gas demand set to fall 8% in 2026 as West Asia conflict disrupts LNG imports
India’s natural gas demand is projected to decline roughly 8% year-on-year in 2026, driven by the West Asia conflict and Strait of Hormuz closure that disrupted LNG imports. The fertilizer sector leads the drop, while residential and commercial use rises. Domestic production continues to contract, pushing LNG imports up slightly despite supply disruptions.
Business India's office market shows caution despite resilient demand and selective rental gains: Colliers report
According to a Colliers report, India's office market recorded 35.7 million sq ft of gross leasing in H1 2026, a 6% YoY increase, with demand outstripping new supply. However, the market remains cautious amid moderation in Q2 2026, with Mumbai and Pune seeing 25-30% declines. Flexible workspace leasing surged 90% above the five-year quarterly average. Rents rose modestly (up to 5%) in active micro-markets, but overall vacancy stayed around 15%.
Business Consumer Companies Ramp Up Festive Production as Demand Hopes Rise Across India
Consumer goods makers in India are ramping up festive season production by up to 30% year-on-year, driven by optimistic demand outlook. Leading contract manufacturers like Dixon Technologies and PG Electroplast report double-digit order increases, with PG Electroplast's festive order book up 40% year-on-year. Companies expect a stronger rupee and lower oil prices to ease inflationary pressures and spur consumer demand.
Cement demand and prices under pressure amid monsoon onset and rising costs
The onset of the south-west monsoon, labour shortages, and rising fuel costs have pushed India's cement prices down ₹3-5 per bag to an average of ₹356, while the industry faces cost inflation of ₹350-400 per tonne. Analysts expect demand to remain subdued for the next two months, with recovery only after the monsoon season.
Business Voltas sells 1 million AC units in record 81 days, chairman Noel Tata steps down
Voltas achieved record sales of 1 million room air conditioning units in 81 days in FY2026, driven by strong demand during India's heatwave. Chairman Noel Tata, at his final AGM, highlighted the milestone and VoltBek's double-digit growth. Tata will step down in November due to age retirement policy.
Trade Indian Exporters See US Enquiries Rise but Order Conversions Lag Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Indian exporters of chemicals, textiles, carpets and leather goods are seeing increased enquiries from US clients, but orders remain low due to uncertainty over Section 301 tariffs and US policy unpredictability. The 10% US tariffs expire on July 24, while trade negotiations continue and additional duties are proposed.
Trade India’s coffee exports volumes rise 28% in Q1, value up 12% on higher demand
India’s coffee exports recorded strong growth in the April-June quarter of FY27, with volumes rising 28% to 1.3 lakh tonnes and value increasing 12% to $678 million, driven by European demand. Higher freight rates and the West Asian crisis weighed on realisations, but a weaker rupee helped offset the impact.
Business India's Services Sector Growth Slows to 17-Month Low as Hiring Stalls, Demand Weakens
India's services sector growth slowed to a 17-month low in June, with the HSBC Services PMI falling to 57.4 from 59.8. Hiring activity nearly stalled, domestic demand softened, but export orders remained robust. The broader composite PMI also declined to 57.1, reflecting weaker private sector momentum.
Business FMCG Q1 Demand Stable Amid Price Hikes; Companies Warn El Nino May Hit Rural Consumption
Demand for soaps, shampoos, and packaged food remained stable in the June quarter despite price hikes, according to quarterly updates from major FMCG companies. However, companies flagged the risk of El Nino conditions on monsoon rains, which could dampen rural consumption. Firms like Dabur reported double-digit growth, while Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) expects margin pressure due to cost pressures.
Logistics Flatbed Freight Poised for Surge as AI Data Centers and Military Spending Boost Demand
According to FreightWaves, the flatbed freight market may have seen a recent cool-off, but massive investments in AI data centers and a record-breaking defense bill are set to fuel unprecedented demand. Flatbed trucking will be essential for moving concrete for new facilities and munitions for global defense, putting capacity and rates under pressure.
Commodities IEA forecasts global natural gas demand to fall 0.5% in 2026 as higher prices curb consumption
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts global natural gas demand to fall 0.5% in 2026, driven by higher prices curbing consumption from power generators and industry. The U.S.-Iran conflict has sharply reduced LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up benchmark prices in Europe and Asia. Asia gas demand fell 1% year-on-year in the first half of 2026 as fuel switching to coal accelerated.
Commodities India’s 163.65 LT Fertilizer Stock and Rising Production to Meet Kharif Demand, Says Government
As of July 2, 2026, India’s fertilizer stock stands at 163.65 lakh tonnes (LT), meeting 43% of the Kharif season demand of 383.9 LT. Domestic production exceeded targets for urea and DAP in Q1 FY27, while natural gas supply to urea plants has been fully restored after disruptions caused by the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The government has diversified import sources and 15 of 20 vessels carrying imported fertilizers have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
Commodities Oil prices inch higher as focus shifts to supply, demand and Hormuz shipments
Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday, with WTI crude at $68.83 per barrel and Brent at $72.26, as the market shifted focus to supply-demand dynamics and recovering shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. A tanker was struck by a projectile near Oman, renewing geopolitical concerns, but gains were capped by OPEC+ output increases and record UAE production.
Commodities India’s bio-energy boom boosts demand for enzyme solutions, says Novonesis
Denmark-based Novonesis, formed in 2024 from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen, is seeing strong demand for its enzymes and microbial solutions from India’s expanding bio-energy and nutrition markets. Regional President Krishna Mohan Puvvada noted that bio-ethanol and biofuels are major growth drivers, alongside probiotics and bio-fertilizers. Novonesis has invested around Rs 4,000 crore in India and signed an MoU with Maharashtra for an additional Rs 2,500-3,000 crore investment.
Commodities India needs 500,000 tonnes refined copper capacity every 5 years to meet demand: ICA
India will require roughly 500,000 tonnes of additional refined copper capacity every five years to keep pace with rising demand, according to International Copper Association India (ICA India) Managing Director Mayur Karmarkar. Copper demand grew 9.3% to 1,878 kilo tonnes in FY25, driven by strong growth in building construction (11% yoy) and infrastructure (17% yoy). Despite planned capacity additions from Hindustan Copper, Hindalco, and Kutch Copper, domestic production remains insufficient to meet long-term demand.
Technology Chipflation Hits Enterprise Hardware as AI Demand Drives Memory Prices Up 15x
Rising demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) for AI is causing a chip shortage, driving up prices of standard DRAM, NAND, and legacy microcontrollers. Prices of eMMC memory have increased 12 times, DDR memory 15 times, and smart TV prices have risen 30%. Industry leaders warn of further increases and supply constraints, affecting everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances. Enterprise technology buyers must prepare for higher component costs and potential delays.
Commodities India's June Palm Oil Imports Plunge to 14-Month Low as Demand Weakens, Dealers Say
India's palm oil imports fell to a 14-month low in June, dropping 10.5% month-on-month to 492,000 metric tons, according to dealer estimates. The decline was driven by weak demand, hand-to-mouth buying, narrowing discounts to soyoil, and a severe cooking gas crisis.
Logistics June Manufacturing Data Shows Sixth Month of Expansion, Supporting LTL Demand Growth
The ISM Manufacturing PMI registered 53.3 in June, marking a sixth consecutive month of expansion. The new orders subindex remained strong at 56, supporting less-than-truckload demand. LTL carriers like ArcBest are raising rates amid rational pricing and excess capacity.
Logistics Maersk Lifts Full-Year Guidance on Strong Demand and Wartime Economy
Maersk upgraded its full-year 2026 guidance, expecting EBITDA of $8-$10 billion as strong demand in the Far East and elevated spot rates, driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict and shipper frontloading, boost container market conditions.
Commodities Cement prices under pressure in July due to monsoon, weak demand: Centrum report
Cement prices are expected to remain flat in July 2026 as the monsoon season and weak underlying demand continue to pressure the sector, according to a Centrum report. Demand in Q1 FY27 was below expectations due to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves, and slower government project execution. Dealers do not anticipate any significant price hikes in the near term.
Commodities Orthodox Tea Prices Edge Up at Coonoor Auctions as West Asia Truce Boosts Demand
Tea prices were marginally up at Coonoor auctions last week, driven by improved demand for orthodox varieties following the normalisation of issues in West Asia after a recent truce. Sales volumes were robust, with leaf categories seeing 95% of offered quantity sold, while dust achieved 92%. Price movements varied by grade, with orthodox primary whole leaf and brokens dearer by ₹4–5 per kg.
Commodities Global Consumers Reshape Basmati Rice Market with Demands for Traceability, Health, and Convenience
The global basmati rice market, valued at over $13 billion in 2024, is being transformed by a new breed of consumers who prioritize traceability, health attributes like low glycemic index, aged varieties, and convenient packaging. India's Geographical Indication tag has become a marketing asset, and exporters are seeing growing demand for verified provenance. The report highlights key trends including the rise of aged basmati (23% of domestic sales), the health-conscious consumer shift, and the move toward smaller pack sizes and ready-to-cook formats.
Business Inflation Starting to Take Toll on Indian Consumers, P&G India CEO Warns of Headwinds
Procter & Gamble India CEO V Kumar said inflation is making consumers more disciplined in spending, projecting short-term headwinds. The company faces a 50% spike in plastic costs due to the West Asia war, and global parent P&G warned of a $1 billion post-tax hit to fiscal 2027 profit. Delayed monsoons add to risks, but the company remains positive on India's medium-term growth.