April 16, 2021: India’s auto sector has been rated quite dynamic. Its growth, however, was badly hit by the pandemic, Covid-19. Even as it began recovering, comes the threat of another Covid wave. Two wheelers and passenger vehicles dominate the domestic auto market. Click column Special Database for sale performance of passenger vehicles and two wheelers in February 2021.

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April 15, 2021: Global rig count is the total number rigs in drilling activity. Crude price influences drilling activity. Global rig count for the month of February went up significantly. Click column Special Database for details.

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April 12, 2021 | The “Ugly Spat” And Some Hard Truths: The sharp spat between India and Saudi Arabia over the rising crude oil price had surprised the oil industry circles. The Financial Times called it an “ugly spat “.Both countries have been making a lot of effort in recent years to move closer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative in breaking the ice which raised expectation of a big ticket investments flowing into India from countries like Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman promised investment worth $100 billion over the next two years. Many in India believe that Pradhan has a strong point when he bats for a lower price. After all, India imports close to 84 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making it the single largest item of foreign exchange outgo. At the same time, Saudi Arabia opted for production cut not to maximise its oil revenue but to stabilise oil price. No one wants oil prices to fluctuate widely. The spat raises a question: Should India demean itself by importuning the OPEC for favours? Click Free Access column Petro Intelligence for a comprehensive piece on the subject.