Oil India shares were the top gainers in the Nifty Oil & Gas Index.
The fully integrated exploration & production company in the upstream sector accounts for 9% of the country’s total crude oil and natural gas production.
Meanwhile, shares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) plunged as investors weighed the impact of the Middle East conflict on the margins in the event of further escalation in crude oil prices and general elections. The Indian Election Commission today announced the dates of elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram.
Shares of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) were down by nearly 3% while those of Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) were lower by more than 2% from the Friday closing price at 12:15 pm.
Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on Saturday launched the largest military assault on Israel in decades, killing hundreds of Israelis and triggering a wave of retaliatory Israeli air strikes on Gaza that continued through Sunday.
Israel’s war is likely to impact oil and the stock markets as a whole, analyst Santosh Meena, Head of Research, Swastika Investmart said. “The ongoing conflict in Israel is an unforeseen event impacting the market, and its effects may take some time to be fully absorbed. Monitoring the situation closely, especially regarding the potential involvement of other actors like Iran, is essential. The possibility of a third front involving Iran is a significant concern as it could trigger a sharp increase in crude oil prices,” Meena said.Meena sees the 19,300–19,250 range is a critical demand zone with notable obstacles at 19,800. His advice to short-term traders is to exercise caution and not rush into trades. On the other hand, a substantial correction could present an excellent buying opportunity for long-term investors, he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Palka Arora Chopra, Director at Master Capital Services sees increasing geopolitical risk in the Middle East potentially increasing oil prices, warning against the likelihood of higher volatility. “One should keep an eye on the nature of the war, as its longevity could have a strong impact. In the stock market, sectors like paint and chemicals need to be closely watched as it will impact their margins in the short to medium term,” Arora said.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of Economic Times)
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