BUSINESS
Iran ceasefire to ease cost pressures on auto sector after weeks of disruption
The surge in costs had already prompted automakers including Tata Motors, JSW MG Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra and Honda Cars India to raise vehicle prices over the past two weeks, though executives indicated that the hikes only partially offset the increase
BUSINESS
US-Iran ceasefire to cool jet fuel prices, bring relief to airlines
Jet fuel prices have surged since the onset of the Iran war, tracking a spike in global crude and refining margins
BUSINESS
Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India CEO; cites ‘right time’ for next phase in message to staff
In his farewell note, Wilson underscored the scale of transformation undertaken since Air India’s privatisation in 2022, including the integration of four airlines and a shift from public-sector functioning to private-sector practices
BUSINESS
Campbell Wilson quits as Air India CEO, to stay till successor is found
Wilson, whose five-year term was to end in September 2027, stepped down a few days ago. He is serving his notice period and will stay on until a successor is identified.
BUSINESS
Iran war hits auto supplies, dealers brace for delivery delays
Car inventories at dealerships have fallen to a new low of 27 days, dropping below 30–32 days during the FY23 post-Covid recovery period
BUSINESS
Tyre prices raised as crude surge triggers cost pressures across industry
Crude-linked derivatives account for nearly 60–70 percent of the raw material cost in tyre production
BUSINESS
UK FTA-driven price cuts to make Land Rover imports cheaper by up to Rs 70 lakh
Industry sources said the company has informed dealers of an impending price realignment, with reductions expected to take effect post April 20
BUSINESS
Iran war-driven airfare spike derails summer plans; Indian travellers pivot to Asia, domestic routes
With long-haul travel becoming expensive and uncertain, Indian tourists are increasingly shifting to short-haul destinations across Asia that offer easier access and relaxed visa norms
BUSINESS
Iran war cripples Indian carriers, 75% of Gulf flights scrapped
Not just connectivity, the disruption strikes at the heart of airline revenues, with West Asia accounting for nearly half of the country’s international passenger traffic
BUSINESS
Auto makers activate 'Plan B' as gas crunch hits component suppliers
With Tier 2 and 3 suppliers bearing the brunt of the disruption, the supply crunch is threatening to derail production cycles across segments, even as strong vehicle demand keeps pressure on manufacturers to maintain output
BUSINESS
Crude spike triggers surge in EV inquiries amid growing fear of fuel price hike
Automakers and dealers report a noticeable uptick in EV enquiries over the past two weeks. Brent crude, which was trading at $112 a barrel, has risen around 60% since February 28
INDIA
Airfares set to rise as govt lifts cap; airlines regain pricing freedom amid cost surge
The caps were originally imposed on December 6 in the wake of large-scale flight disruptions by IndiGo, which had led to a sharp rise in ticket prices.
BUSINESS
Production hit but demand intact at Ashok Leyland’s RAK plant amid Iran war
The war, now in its fourth week, has led to the shutdown of the critical Strait of Hormuz, severely impacting the movement of goods into the United Arab Emirates
BUSINESS
EV battery subscription model struggles to take off as buyers prefer ownership
Under BaaS, the battery, which accounts for 35-40% of an EV’s cost, is excluded from the purchase price. Financiers fund the battery and customers pay a subscription fee based on usage
BUSINESS
Iran war jet fuel shock squeezes airlines, rupee slide adds to margin pressure
Within days of the Iran war, refining margins per barrel surged nearly tenfold, even as Brent crude and Platts premium rose just 19%
BUSINESS
Retrofitted aircraft may help Air India ease EASA safety concerns
The upgraded aircraft, featuring refreshed cabins, are expected to address several issues flagged during European inspections, including broken seats and faulty tray tables
BUSINESS
What the Middle East crisis could mean for Indian consumers’ wallets
As the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has entered its 14th day following the initial outbreak of large-scale strikes on February 28, analysts are expecting the retail inflation to rise 5.1 percent in FY27 if crude prices remain above $100 per barrel.
BUSINESS
Up to Rs 5 lakh off as car dealers slash prices to clear unsold 2024–25 stock
From entry-level small cars to high-demand SUVs, manufacturers in partnership with dealers are offering steep discounts on previous model year vehicles
BUSINESS
Pieter Elbers’ sudden exit from IndiGo raises eyebrows; notice period waived, no successor named
Elbers' predecessor Ronojoy Dutta had been required to serve a six-month notice period when he stepped down, and eventually remained with the airline for about four and a half months before exiting
BUSINESS
Gas supply squeeze threatens auto component production, thousands of units stare at shutdown
Though smaller in scale compared with Tier-1 component manufacturers, these enterprises play a vital role in the auto supply chain. Any disruption in their production can trigger a cascading impact across the industry
BUSINESS
GST cuts, rural revival, poll buzz fuel car demand beyond festive surge
While SIAM has informally projected 5–6% growth for FY27, internal estimates suggest double-digit growth is possible given the current trajectory, an executive at a top car firm has said
BUSINESS
Iran war drives charter flight prices to Rs 50–70 lakh as airspace closures, insurance costs disrupt travel
Travel agencies have been flooding charter companies with requests, as thousands of travellers attempt to move out of the conflict-hit Gulf region. By March 8, Indian airlines had cancelled more than 2,000 flights since the start of the conflict
BUSINESS
Kasol’s ‘Mini Israel’ tag fades as Israeli tourists stay away this season
The US-Israel-Iran conflict has not only affected quieter backpacking hubs like Dharamkot and Kasol but could also impact popular hill stations such as Manali and Shimla, which serve as key entry points for foreign tourists
BUSINESS
Indian aviation industry under pressure: ATF prices, rupee fall and geopolitical tensions weigh on airlines' profitability
While fuel price had previously added a bit of relief, a recent spike, currency depreciation and international flight disruptions are adding fresh challenges to an already cost-sensitive sector
