Shares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) surged on Monday, while those of oil explorers declined, as investor sentiment improved following an easing of geopoliticalShares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) surged on Monday, while those of oil explorers declined, as investor sentiment improved following an easing of geopolitical

Oil plunge fuels rally in India’s downstream OMCs, sinks upstream exploration stocks

2026/02/02 21:43
4 min read

Shares of oil marketing companies (OMCs) surged on Monday, while those of oil explorers declined, as investor sentiment improved following an easing of geopolitical tensions between the US and OPEC member Iran.

Leading the gains on the Nifty Oil & Gas index were the Oil Marketing Company (OMC) stocks.

Oil plunge fuels rally in India’s downstream OMCs, sinks upstream exploration stocks

The index itself saw a rise of over 2%, reaching 11,687.5 during Monday’s trading session.

OMCs outperform explorers following geopolitical easing

Shares of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) witnessed a significant upward movement in trading, soaring by more than 5% and reaching a trading price of 453.65 Indian rupees per share at the close of Monday’s session. 

This surge was not isolated, as other major OMCs operating in the Indian market, specifically Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), also experienced substantial gains in their respective stock prices. 

BPCL ended Monday’s session with more than 2% gains, while IOC surged over 3%.

The positive momentum across the OMC sector suggests a broad-based optimism or a common market driver influencing the performance of these state-owned fuel retailers.

In contrast to the buoyant performance of the OMCs, the equity performance of oil exploration and production companies presented a mixed, though generally negative, picture. 

Oil India’s shares registered a sharp decline, falling by more than 3.6%.

This downturn for a key upstream player indicates a potential divergence in market sentiment between the downstream and upstream segments of the oil and gas industry. 

However, one notable exception was Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), which managed to buck the trend among exploration firms by posting a gain of nearly 3%. But the stock reversed all of those gains to end largely flat.

The overall trend, however, points to a scenario where OMCs are outperforming their upstream counterparts.

Plunging oil prices drive sector divergence

The gains in the OMCs coincided with crude oil declining more than 5% on Monday as easing tensions between the US and Iran erased the geopolitical premium on prices. 

Oil prices marked their steepest single-session drop in over six months on Monday. 

This fall was triggered by US President Donald Trump’s statement that Iran was engaged in “seriously talking” with Washington, a signal of de-escalation with the OPEC member country.

When oil prices decline, OMCs tend to perform well as these companies import crude and refine it into petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and others to sell in the domestic market. 

In comparison, upstream companies such as ONGC and Oil India suffer from a decline in oil prices as they produce crude oil in India. 

De-escalation and broader markets sell-off lead to a price drop

At the time of writing, Brent crude futures fell by $3.06, or 4.4%, to $66.26 per barrel.

Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate crude also saw a decline, dropping $3.03, or 4.7%, to $62.17 per barrel.

The two contracts plummeted from multi-month peak values following remarks made by Trump over the weekend.

A stronger US dollar was cited by analysts as a partial cause of the slump, which was also fueled by a wider sell-off in commodities, particularly significant losses in gold and silver.

“A broader correction across financial markets has added to the downward momentum,” Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING Group, said in a note.

Just hours before President Trump announced on Saturday that Iran was “seriously talking” about negotiations, Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, confirmed that preparations for talks were underway. 

IG market analyst Tony Sycamore pointed to these comments from Trump and reports that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards’ naval forces had canceled planned live-fire exercises as indications of a de-escalation in tensions.

The post Oil plunge fuels rally in India's downstream OMCs, sinks upstream exploration stocks appeared first on Invezz

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

HitPaw API is Integrated by Comfy for Professional Image and Video Enhancement to Global Creators

HitPaw API is Integrated by Comfy for Professional Image and Video Enhancement to Global Creators

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HitPaw, a leader in AI-powered visual enhancement solutions, announced Comfy, a global content creation platform, is
Share
AI Journal2026/02/08 09:15
Journalist gives brutal review of Melania movie: 'Not a single person in the theater'

Journalist gives brutal review of Melania movie: 'Not a single person in the theater'

A Journalist gave a brutal review of the new Melania documentary, which has been criticized by those who say it won't make back the huge fees spent to make it,
Share
Rawstory2026/02/08 09:08
Jerome Powell’s Press Conference: Crucial Insights Unveiled for the Market’s Future

Jerome Powell’s Press Conference: Crucial Insights Unveiled for the Market’s Future

BitcoinWorld Jerome Powell’s Press Conference: Crucial Insights Unveiled for the Market’s Future The financial world, including the dynamic cryptocurrency market, often hangs on every word from the Federal Reserve. Recently, Jerome Powell’s press conference following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting concluded, leaving investors and analysts dissecting his remarks for clues about the future economic direction. This event is always a pivotal moment, shaping expectations for inflation, interest rates, and the overall stability of global markets. What Were the Key Takeaways from Jerome Powell’s Press Conference? During Jerome Powell’s press conference, the Fed Chair provided an update on the central bank’s monetary policy decisions and its economic outlook. His statements often reiterate the Fed’s dual mandate: achieving maximum employment and stable prices. This time was no different, with a strong emphasis on managing persistent inflation. Key points from the recent discussion included: Inflation Control: Powell emphasized the Fed’s unwavering commitment to bringing inflation back down to its 2% target. He reiterated that the fight against rising prices remains the top priority, even if it entails some economic slowdown. Interest Rate Policy: While the Fed’s stance on future interest rate adjustments was discussed, the path remains data-dependent. Powell indicated that decisions would continue to be made meeting-by-meeting, based on incoming economic data. Economic Projections: The updated Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) offered insights into the Fed’s forecasts for GDP growth, unemployment, and inflation. These projections help market participants gauge the central bank’s expectations for the economy’s trajectory. Quantitative Tightening (QT): The ongoing process of reducing the Fed’s balance sheet, known as quantitative tightening, was also a topic. This reduction in liquidity in the financial system has broad implications for asset prices. How Did Jerome Powell’s Remarks Impact Cryptocurrency Markets? The conclusion of Jerome Powell’s press conference often sends ripples through traditional financial markets, and cryptocurrencies are increasingly sensitive to these macroeconomic shifts. Digital assets, once thought to be uncorrelated, now frequently react to the Fed’s monetary policy signals. Higher interest rates, for instance, tend to make riskier assets like cryptocurrencies less attractive. This is because investors might prefer safer, interest-bearing investments. Consequently, we often see increased volatility in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) prices immediately following such announcements. The tightening of financial conditions, driven by the Fed, reduces overall liquidity in the system, which can put downward pressure on asset valuations across the board. However, some argue that this growing correlation signifies crypto’s increasing integration into the broader financial ecosystem. It suggests that institutional investors and mainstream finance are now paying closer attention to digital assets, treating them more like other risk-on investments. Navigating the Economic Landscape After Jerome Powell’s Press Conference For cryptocurrency investors, understanding the implications of Jerome Powell’s press conference is crucial for making informed decisions. The Fed’s policy trajectory directly influences the availability of capital and investor sentiment, which are key drivers for crypto valuations. Here are some actionable insights for navigating this environment: Stay Informed: Regularly monitor Fed announcements and economic data releases. Understanding the macroeconomic backdrop is as important as analyzing individual crypto projects. Assess Risk Tolerance: In periods of economic uncertainty and tighter monetary policy, a reassessment of personal risk tolerance is wise. Diversification within your crypto portfolio and across different asset classes can mitigate potential downsides. Focus on Fundamentals: While market sentiment can be swayed by macro news, projects with strong fundamentals, clear use cases, and robust development teams tend to perform better in the long run. Long-Term Perspective: Cryptocurrency markets are known for their volatility. Adopting a long-term investment horizon can help weather short-term fluctuations driven by macro events like Fed meetings. The challenges include potential continued volatility and reduced liquidity. However, opportunities may arise from market corrections, allowing strategic investors to accumulate assets at lower prices. In summary, Jerome Powell’s press conference provides essential guidance on the Fed’s economic strategy. Its conclusions have a profound impact on financial markets, including the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies. Staying informed, understanding the nuances of monetary policy, and maintaining a strategic investment approach are paramount for navigating the evolving economic landscape. The Fed’s actions underscore the interconnectedness of traditional finance and the burgeoning digital asset space. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What is the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)? A1: The FOMC is the monetary policy-making body of the Federal Reserve System. It sets the federal funds rate target and directs open market operations, influencing the availability of money and credit in the U.S. economy. Q2: How do the Fed’s interest rate decisions typically affect cryptocurrency markets? A2: Generally, when the Fed raises interest rates, it makes borrowing more expensive and reduces liquidity in the financial system. This often leads investors to shy away from riskier assets like cryptocurrencies, potentially causing prices to decline. Conversely, lower rates can stimulate investment in riskier assets. Q3: What does “data-dependent” mean in the context of Fed policy? A3: “Data-dependent” means that the Federal Reserve’s future monetary policy decisions, such as interest rate adjustments, will primarily be based on the latest economic data. This includes inflation reports, employment figures, and GDP growth, rather than a predetermined schedule. Q4: Should I change my cryptocurrency investment strategy based on Jerome Powell’s press conference? A4: While it’s crucial to be aware of the macroeconomic environment shaped by Jerome Powell’s press conference, drastic changes to a well-researched investment strategy may not always be necessary. It’s recommended to review your portfolio, assess your risk tolerance, and consider if your strategy aligns with the current economic outlook, focusing on long-term fundamentals. If you found this analysis helpful, please consider sharing it with your network! Your insights and shares help us reach more readers interested in the intersection of traditional finance and the exciting world of cryptocurrencies. Spread the word! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Jerome Powell’s Press Conference: Crucial Insights Unveiled for the Market’s Future first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/09/18 16:25