Business - The Purbottar

12 Apr

Digital surge in LPG bookings signals efficiency gains as MoPNG confirms supply stability

Business BureauBusiness

India’s LPG ecosystem is showing signs of improved efficiency and demand management, with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) confirming that supply remains stable and adequate across the country. The Ministry’s assurance comes amid concerns over consumption patterns, with officials urging households to avoid panic buying and adopt responsible usage. From an economic standpoint, the strength of India’s LPG distribution network continues to play a critical role in maintaining equilibrium between demand and supply. MoPNG stated that supply chains are being closely monitored, indicating proactive inventory and logistics management to prevent disruptions. A key structural shift in the…

12 Apr

MoPNG doubles 5 kg LPG supply, eases norms to tap rising urban demand

Business BureauBusiness

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has expanded the supply of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders, removing earlier caps and doubling daily allocations across all States and Union Territories from April 7, in a move aimed at strengthening access to clean cooking fuel and addressing rising demand. The revised allocation, benchmarked against early March levels, is expected to support growing consumption in urban and semi-urban markets, particularly among migrant workers and low-income households. Alongside supply expansion, the Ministry has simplified access norms, allowing consumers to purchase 5 kg cylinders using basic identification such as Aadhaar or…

11 Apr

India caps industrial LPG supply at 70% as import shock forces policy reset

Business BureauBusiness

India’s Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) has introduced a calibrated LPG allocation policy for industry, signalling a strategic response to supply disruptions and structural energy transition. Under the directive issued by Secretary Dr. Neeraj Mittal, bulk LPG supply to key sectors—including pharma, food processing, steel, ceramics, agriculture and heavy industries—has been capped at 70% of pre-March 2026 consumption, with a ceiling of 0.2 TMT per day. From an economic standpoint, the policy reflects a dual objective: rationing scarce supply while incentivising a shift towards Piped Natural Gas (PNG). An additional 10% allocation linked to PNG reform milestones creates…

11 Apr

Axis Mutual Fund launches Defence Index Fund, opens NFO on April 10

Business BureauBusiness

Axis Mutual Fund has announced the launch of its new offering — the Axis Nifty India Defence Index Fund — an open-ended index fund designed to track the performance of the Nifty India Defence Total Return Index (TRI). The New Fund Offer (NFO) will open for subscription on April 10 and close on April 24, 2026. The fund aims to provide returns, before expenses, that closely correspond to the underlying index, offering a low-cost and transparent route for investors to tap into India’s growing defence sector. The move comes amid rising global defence spending, which crossed USD 2.7 trillion in…

11 Apr

Honda hits 10 million sales milestone in East, strengthens grip in key markets

Business BureauBusiness

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has achieved a major milestone of 10 million cumulative sales in India’s East region, underlining its growing dominance across states such as West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand and the North-East. The company said the achievement reflects steady expansion across metro and semi-urban markets, where two-wheelers remain central to daily mobility. The East has emerged as a key growth engine for HMSI, driven by strong demand in cities like Kolkata, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar and Guwahati. Popular models such as the Honda Activa and Honda Dio in the scooter segment, along with Honda SP125 and Honda…

11 Apr

ZOYA goes Pink: ABD Maestro unveils mix berries gin amid premium spirits boom

Business BureauBusiness

ABD Maestro Pvt. Ltd., the super-premium and luxury spirits arm of Allied Blenders & Distillers, has launched ZOYA Pink Mix Berries Gin, expanding its premium ZOYA portfolio with a small-batch, craft-led offering. The launch comes at a time when India’s premium spirits segment is witnessing strong growth, driven by younger consumers exploring craft beverages and experimental cocktails. Industry trends show rising demand for flavour-forward spirits with strong visual appeal and elevated drinking experiences, positioning India as a key global market. ZOYA Pink Mix Berries Gin blends a classic juniper base with strawberry, cranberry, blackberry, and raspberry, creating a visually striking,…

11 Apr

Jio-bp Absorbs Costs as International Crude Hits $100

nanika EditorBusiness

In a significant move for Indian consumers, Jio-bp, the fuel retailing joint venture between Reliance Industries Ltd. and BP Plc, has announced it will not raise petrol and diesel prices immediately. This decision comes despite a sharp spike in international crude oil prices, driven largely by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Speaking on the sidelines of a recent industry event, Jio-bp Chief Executive Akshay Wadhwa clarified the company’s stance, stating, "We are in this with the country." By maintaining current retail rates, Jio-bp joins public sector oil marketing companies in a collective effort to shield the domestic economy from…

11 Apr

BIBA launches summer festive edit for Poila Boishakh, blend tradition with contemporary style

Business BureauBusiness

BIBA has unveiled its summer festive edit to mark Poila Boishakh, aligning with the cultural spirit of renewal and celebration across Bengal. The collection captures the essence of the occasion, where traditional motifs meet modern silhouettes, catering to the evolving style preferences of the modern Indian woman. The edit reflects the customary preference for white and red—symbolic of celebration—through kurta sets featuring bold tones and contemporary prints. Designed for comfort during the warm April weather, the collection incorporates breathable fabrics such as cotton and mul. It includes printed suit sets with floral and earthy accents, sharara sets, A-line silhouettes, and…

11 Apr

BIBA launches Rongali Bihu festive edit, expands seasonal offerings with gifting range

Business BureauBusiness

BIBA has unveiled its summer festive edit to mark Rongali Bihu, aligning its latest collection with the spirit of Assam’s new year celebrations. The launch comes as Bohag sets in, bringing with it traditional festivities, community gatherings, and cultural vibrancy across the state. The collection features a wide range of kurta sets crafted in lightweight cotton and mul fabrics suited for the summer season. Printed suit sets in earthy tones and bold florals are paired with sharara sets and A-line silhouettes, designed for both daytime rituals and evening celebrations. The edit also includes separates such as kurtis, tops, and bottoms,…

11 Apr

Road accidents a preventable crisis, says Fortis Doctor urging public responsibility

Business BureauBusiness

Road traffic accidents continue to pose a serious public health challenge in India, with hospitals witnessing a steady influx of trauma cases that are largely preventable, according to Dr Anindansu Basu, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Fortis Hospital Kolkata. Drawing from his clinical experience, Dr. Basu said emergency rooms routinely handle injuries ranging from fractures to life-threatening trauma, often resulting in long-term disability or death. “Road safety is far more than compliance with traffic rules. It is a critical public health concern that requires collective responsibility,” he said. Global estimates indicate that road accidents claim over 1.35 million lives annually.…