India's Economic Resilience Amid Ongoing West Asia Conflict
Buffering the blow: Policy responses amid the war
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
As the conflict in West Asia continues without resolution, global markets face uncertainties regarding oil prices and supply chains. India, however, is better positioned than many Asian countries due to its low dependency on natural gas and status as a net exporter of diesel, which helps mitigate immediate economic impacts.
- 01India's natural gas dependency is only 3%, unlike many Asian countries that rely heavily on it for power.
- 02India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel, providing a buffer against supply disruptions.
- 03The chemical and petrochemical sector, accounting for 7% of India's GDP, may face significant risks from supply chain disruptions.
- 04If oil prices remain above $100 per barrel, India's GDP growth could be affected, impacting exports and remittances.
- 05The government's response includes easing supply bottlenecks and reallocating energy resources to priority sectors.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The ongoing conflict in West Asia is causing significant concern in global markets, particularly regarding oil prices and supply chains. Despite the turmoil, India is relatively insulated compared to its Asian peers due to its low reliance on natural gas, which accounts for only 3% of its electricity generation. In contrast, countries like Thailand and Bangladesh depend heavily on gas for their energy needs. Additionally, India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel, which helps cushion the economy from immediate shocks. However, potential supply disruptions in the petrochemical sector, which contributes nearly 7% to India's GDP, could pose risks if the conflict persists. If oil prices remain elevated, India's GDP growth could decline by as much as one percentage point, affecting exports and remittances from the region. The government is currently focused on managing supply bottlenecks and reallocating energy resources while absorbing some inflationary pressures through excise duty reductions. This approach aims to maintain macroeconomic stability amidst rising global uncertainties.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The ongoing conflict could lead to higher fuel prices in India, affecting transportation and production costs, which may ultimately increase consumer prices.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How should India respond to the economic challenges posed by the West Asia conflict?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



