Topic
reserves
India's forex boost: RBI swap scheme raises $20.72 billion so far, TOI reports
The Reserve Bank of India's foreign exchange swap scheme has raised $20.72 billion so far, according to the TOI Business Desk, boosting the country's forex reserves. This development has implications for trade finance costs and currency hedging for corporate treasuries.
India's Forex Reserves Surge $7.3 Billion to $674.2 Billion in Week Ended July 3
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $7.3 billion to $674.2 billion in the week ended July 3, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India. The rise was fueled by a $4.5 billion jump in foreign currency assets and a $2.7 billion surge in gold holdings, the latter reflecting higher international gold prices. The buildup strengthens India's import cover and buffers against currency volatility.
Gold Gains Strategic Importance as Central Banks Hedge Against Geopolitical Risks
A new OMFIF survey reveals that central banks globally are increasing gold holdings as a strategic hedge against geopolitical risks. A net 30% plan to raise allocations in the next two years, with 51% citing geopolitical protection. Meanwhile, spot gold has slipped to $4,008.94 amid expectations of Fed rate hikes.
Forex measures yield results: FPIs buy record $4.2 billion Indian government bonds in June; reserves may get a boost
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) invested a record $4.2 billion (Rs 39,640 crore) in Indian government bonds in June 2026, following measures by the government and RBI including capital gains tax exemption and wider access to longer-tenor bonds. The inflows are expected to support India's foreign exchange reserves, which stood at $672 billion as of June 12. The rupee recovered from a record low of 96.96 to 94.40, and the 10-year bond yield fell 20 basis points to 6.76%.
Commodities India's strategic oil reserves cover only 9-10 days of crude imports, says CEEW report
India's strategic petroleum reserves equal just 9-10 days of net crude imports, far below other import-dependent nations like Japan and South Korea (over 200 days), according to a CEEW report. The report also notes over 85% of crude imports come from six countries, and highlights risks from lack of strategic gas storage and dependence on imported coking coal.
Commodities India's Foodgrain Reserves Hit Record 122 mt as El Nino Looms Over 2026 Kharif Crop
India's Central Pool foodgrain reserves hit a record 122.64 million tonnes as of June 1, 2026, sufficient to sustain welfare programmes for over two years. This buffer comes as El Nino threatens the 2026 kharif crop, with the government targeting 176.16 mt of foodgrain production despite a below-normal monsoon forecast.
US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1983 Amid Iran War
The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 340.3 million barrels as of June 12, 2026, its lowest since July 1983, as the Trump administration continues emergency releases to mitigate economic damage from the war with Iran. The reserve has dropped 75 million barrels (18%) since the conflict began in late February. Officials warn the stockpile must remain at least 20% full to be operational.
India Secures Crude and LPG Supplies Through August Amid Middle East Crisis
Indian refiners have secured crude oil inventories to meet demand through at least August and LPG supplies through mid-July, according to Reuters sources. Recent purchases include 4 million barrels of Murban crude by HPCL from Totsa and Mercuria. India and the UAE are also accelerating plans to expand strategic oil reserves to 30 million barrels.
RBI's Strategic Moves to Boost Forex Reserves Amid US-Iran Tensions
The Reserve Bank of India has introduced five strategic measures to attract foreign capital and strengthen forex reserves amid the US-Iran conflict. These measures aim to mitigate the impact of rising crude oil prices on India's balance of payments.
India's Forex Reserves Increase by $938 Million to $682.32 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $938 million to $682.32 billion as of May 28, 2026, according to the Reserve Bank of India. This increase follows a previous decline and reflects changes in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.
US Oil Reserves Depleted Amid Middle East Conflict
The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has been significantly depleted as the Trump administration releases 50 million barrels to counteract supply disruptions from the Iran conflict. This marks a stark contrast to Trump's previous criticism of Biden's reserve usage.