India's Economic Policy Shaped by Global Pressures and Domestic Measures
Weekly economy wrap: Fuel costs and trade talks drive policy week

Image: Business Standard
This week, India's economic landscape was influenced by global tensions affecting fuel prices and trade dynamics. Key government actions included waiving cotton import duties, extending food distribution support, and revising fuel export levies, all aimed at stabilizing inflation amid rising energy costs.
- 01India's crude oil imports from Russia increased to 1.92 million barrels per day amid West Asia tensions.
- 02CNG prices in Delhi rose by ₹5 per kg since mid-May, raising inflation concerns.
- 03The government extended the SARTHAK-PDS food distribution scheme with a ₹25,530-crore budget until March 2031.
- 04Cotton imports are exempt from customs duty until October 31 to support the textile sector.
- 05India became a net importer of finished steel in April, with a 30.8% year-on-year increase in imports.
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India's economic policy this week was significantly influenced by global market volatility, particularly in energy prices due to tensions in West Asia. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted how rising crude oil, gold, and fertilizer prices are straining the country's foreign exchange reserves and inflation outlook. The government responded by waiving customs duties on cotton imports to support the textile industry and extending the SARTHAK-PDS food distribution scheme, which has a budget of ₹25,530 crore. Additionally, fuel prices continued to rise, with CNG in Delhi increasing by ₹5 per kg since mid-May, raising concerns about inflation driven by energy and food costs. India's trade dynamics are also shifting, with a notable increase in Russian crude imports and a rise in finished steel imports, indicating strong domestic demand. The ongoing trade negotiations with the US could further reshape India's economic landscape as it seeks to navigate these challenges.
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Rising fuel costs and inflation could significantly affect household budgets and spending power.
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