Topic
supply chain disruption
Logistics Highway closures leave Kashmir apple growers counting losses
Repeated closures of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway are stranding hundreds of fruit-laden trucks during Kashmir's apple harvest, stretching transit times from 15–18 hours to weeks. The Hindu BusinessLine reports that more than half of the fruit can rot in stranded trucks, while rail and cold storage alternatives remain limited.
Commodities Crude oil tops $96 as Houthis target Saudi tankers in Red Sea
Brent crude futures surged above $96 per barrel on Thursday following reports that Iran-backed Houthis attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. US military strikes on Iranian assets and an EIA report showing a build in US crude inventories added to market dynamics.
Commodities West Asia crisis hits orthodox tea shipments from Coonoor auctions, prices decline
The West Asia crisis has disrupted orthodox tea exports from the Coonoor auctions, leading to price declines of Rs3-4 per kg for whole leaf grades. Increased arrivals during the peak crop season helped maintain stable volumes, with Sale No. 29 recording 92% sales in the leaf category and 85% in dust. CTC and orthodox dust grades also saw varying price movements, according to Global Tea Auctioneers.
Logistics Hormuz and Red Sea Risks Converge as US Strikes Iranian-Bound Tanker, Houthis Threaten Bab el-Mandeb
The US military fired missiles into a commercial tanker attempting to reach Iran, while Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to prevent regional energy exports if Iranian cargoes are blocked. Simultaneously, a senior Houthi official warned that Bab el-Mandeb could be closed if regional fighting escalates, raising the prospect of simultaneous disruption at the Middle East’s two key maritime energy exits.
Logistics Iran Conflict Drives Asia-US Container Spot Rates Up 276% Since Late February
Spot container rates from Asia to the US West Coast have surged 276% since late February, driven by the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Xeneta reports that while rates flattened in the week ending July 10, capacity injections are easing pressure. Carriers have increased capacity on key trades, but further rate increases are expected in mid-July.
Commodities Ukraine's drone strikes cripple Russia's fuel supply, sparking queues and rationing
Months of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have led to severe fuel shortages, with crude processing falling 25% year-on-year to a two-decade low. Gasoline production dropped 17%, and rationing has been imposed in over half of Russia's regions. Analysts warn repairs will be slow due to sanctions and ongoing attacks.
Commodities Middle East conflict forces India to diversify LPG imports as OMCs absorb price shocks
The Middle East conflict prompted India to significantly diversify its LPG imports, reducing dependence on the Gulf from 90% to about one-third from the US. State-run oil marketing companies absorbed much of the global price rise, leading to under-recoveries of nearly Rs 22,000 crore between March and May. LPG consumption fell sharply, especially among commercial and industrial users.