BPCL, INDIGO, APOLLO TYRES, OTHER CRUDE-SENSITIVE FALL

Shares of oil marketing companies, aviation firms, paint manufacturers and tyre makers came under pressure, declining between 1% and 4% as Brent crude prices surged above $114 per barrel for the first time since May. The sharp rise in oil prices, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, raised concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose as much as 1.4% per barrel, extending its recent gains amid fears of a renewed escalation in the Middle East conflict. Among the major losers were HPCL, BPCL, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Apollo Tyres, CEAT, JK Tyre & Industries and Asian Paints, as higher crude prices weighed on investor sentiment across oil-sensitive sectors. The weakness was particularly visible in the tyre segment, with Apollo Tyres shares falling more than 3%, while CEAT and JK Tyre & Industries declined over 4%. Paint stocks also faced selling pressure, with Kansai Nerolac Paints and Berger Paints trading around 1% lower as rising crude prices raised concerns over higher input costs. Oil marketing companies and airlines are particularly vulnerable to a sustained increase in crude prices, as higher fuel costs can squeeze refining and marketing margins for OMCs and increase operating expenses for aviation companies. Paint and tyre manufacturers may also face rising raw material costs, potentially putting pressure on profitability. Upstream oil producers also witnessed mixed trading. Oil India shares fell more than 1%, while ONGC traded in positive territory, as higher crude prices are generally expected to support realisations for oil-producing companies.