India is finalizing a new policy to boost urea production using coal gasification, aiming to slash reliance on imported natural gas and enhance self-sufficiency in fertilizer. This strategic move, expected within a month, leverages domestic coal reserves to secure vital agricultural inputs and conserve foreign exchange. The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to diversify feedstock for fertilizer manufacturing.
Indian markets remained steady near record highs despite rising oil prices due to Iran tensions. Strong corporate earnings, particularly from Dollar Tree and Kohl's, bolstered investor confidence. While some companies faced headwinds from higher fuel costs, others like Snowflake saw significant gains driven by AI growth. Inflation data showed a slight acceleration, impacting Treasury yields.