India Manufacturing Shows Resilience as PMI Edges Up to 54.7

Ather Energy Posts Improved Q4 Results, Loss Narrows Significantly

Mumbai, May 4 (BNP): Ather Energy has reported a sharp improvement in its financial performance for the January–March quarter, with net loss narrowing by 57 percent year-on-year.

The company posted a net loss of ₹100.23 crore in the fourth quarter, compared with ₹234.36 crore in the same period last year, according to a regulatory filing. The reduction reflects improving operational efficiency and stronger demand in the electric vehicle segment.

Revenue from operations grew significantly during the quarter, rising 74 percent to ₹1,174.66 crore from ₹676.8 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

The Bengaluru-based EV maker, which was listed on the stock exchanges in May last year, continues to benefit from rising adoption of electric two-wheelers and expanding market presence across key regions.

Overall, the results indicate steady progress in scaling operations while narrowing losses as the company strengthens its position in the competitive EV market.

New Market Segments Launched as NSE Points to Strong Capital Market Growth

May 4 (BNP): The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has introduced two new segments—PaRRVA and EGR—aimed at expanding market participation and improving trading efficiency.

Speaking at the launch, the NSE Chairman highlighted the resilience of India’s capital markets, noting their ability to withstand global uncertainties and maintain steady growth.

The introduction of these segments is expected to deepen market participation and offer investors new avenues for trading and risk management. Market officials said the move aligns with efforts to enhance transparency, liquidity, and innovation in the financial ecosystem.

Overall, the development reflects continued efforts to strengthen India’s capital market infrastructure and support its long-term growth trajectory.

India’s LPG Shipment Clears Strategic Strait, Heads to Visakhapatnam Port

Visakhapatnam, May 4 (BNP): An LPG tanker carrying cargo destined for India has safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz and is currently en route to Visakhapatnam, according to official sources. The movement of the vessel comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have raised global concerns over key energy shipping routes.

Authorities confirmed that despite the challenging regional environment, maritime operations remain stable and uninterrupted. There has been no disruption reported to Indian-flagged vessels or energy shipments bound for the country.

The consignment is expected to support domestic LPG availability and reinforce the country’s energy supply chain, which is being closely monitored to ensure steady distribution across regions.

Officials further stated that shipping activities in the region are under continuous surveillance to safeguard critical imports and maintain smooth logistical operations. The government has assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure energy security and uninterrupted supply of essential commodities.

Jaishankar Lauds GalaxEye for Advancing India’s Space-Tech Strength

May 4 (BNP): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has praised India’s advancing space technology ecosystem, highlighting the success of GalaxEye and its “Mission Drishti,” which is being seen as a significant step forward in all-weather Earth imaging capabilities.

The mission marks a notable achievement in strengthening India’s private space sector, demonstrating the country’s growing ability to develop advanced imaging systems that can operate effectively in diverse weather conditions.

Jaishankar said such innovations reflect India’s expanding technological strength and underline the contribution of startups in enhancing the nation’s global space footprint. He noted that developments like Mission Drishti position India as an emerging leader in next-generation space-based solutions.

The breakthrough is expected to support applications across sectors such as disaster management, agriculture, defence, and climate monitoring, further reinforcing India’s push towards self-reliance in space technology.

Overall, the development is being viewed as a milestone in India’s journey towards building a stronger, innovation-driven space ecosystem supported by private sector participation

Nissan GRAVITE CNG Debuts with Segment-First Twin-Cylinder Retrofitment Kit, Enabling True 7-Seater CNG Mobility – Press release

Gurugram, May 04: Nissan Motor India Private Limited announced the launch of government-approved CNG retrofitment kit for the All-New Nissan GRAVITE, featuring an innovative segment-first smart twin-cylinder technology that retains full 7-seater modularity & usability. across 16 states, the GRAVITE CNG is designed to offer customers a smarter, more economical and environmentally conscious mobility solution while retaining ample space in the 3rd row, offering comfort and everyday practicality.

A practical yet forward-looking solution, the GRAVITE CNG combines “Smart Power with Smarter Savings,” delivering significantly lower running costs per/km while retaining its joyful modularity, comfort and everyday usability. The government-approved CNG kit is fully developed, manufactured and quality assured by Motozen. Customers can order the CNG kit installation via Nissan authorised dealers, for an extremely convenient and trusted purchase route to access the CNG solution. A 3-year / 1,00,000 km warranty on kit components via a third-party provider is also being offered.

Mr. Thierry Sabbagh, Divisional Vice President and President, Middle East, KSA, CIS and India – Nissan and Infiniti, said,

“India continues to be a strategic market for Nissan, and our focus is on bringing products and mobility solutions that are relevant, accessible and future-ready, aligned with the evolving needs of the customers. The introduction of the CNG option for the All-New Nissan GRAVITE is a significant step in that direction. With GRAVITE CNG, we are extending a proven, practical solution to customers seeking a combination of family-focused space, everyday mobility, and lower running costs in key CNG markets.”

Mr. Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said,

“After an extremely positive reception from the customers for the Magnite CNG, we are delighted to now launch the first twin-cylinder solution in the segment for The All-New Nissan GRAVITE. It has been designed for customers who need the practicality, flexibility and comfort of a 7-seater MPV for everyday family use. With the introduction of the government-approved CNG retrofitment kit, we are making that proposition even stronger by offering a solution that is not only economical to run but also designed to retain its full 7-seater flexibility, modularity & capability through a smart twin-cylinder setup, ensuring no compromise on space or everyday usability.”

Building on its success, the CNG system has been engineered to deliver performance, safety and efficiency without compromising comfort. Key technical highlights include a Sequential BS6.2 Compliant CNG Kit, an ICAT-approved system for certified safety and reliability, heavy-duty cylinder thickness of 8.1 mm for enhanced durability, and latest Dynamic Advancer Technology optimised specifically for the GRAVITE. The system also features a fuel filling point under the fuel lid, clean factory-finish integration with well-designed component brackets, an optimised rear seat layout that maintains passenger comfort, and seamless petrol and CNG switchover.

For high-mileage users such as families managing office commutes, school runs and regular out-of-city visits, the All-New Nissan GRAVITE CNG offers significant savings versus petrol, making a 7-seater more realistic and affordable to run in CNG-dense markets. At the same time, it contributes to cleaner air and more sustainable mobility choices especially in high-traffic conditions and urban environments – allowing families to make a more responsible choice without compromising on convenience.

 

India Tightens Enforcement to Curb LPG Hoarding Amid Stable Supplies

New Delhi, May 4 (BNP): The government has intensified enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and ensure smooth supply of cooking gas across the country, conducting more than 1,900 raids nationwide, even as LPG availability continues to remain stable amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, around 47 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered on May 2 against bookings of approximately 47.4 lakh cylinders, indicating that supply levels are largely keeping pace with demand.

As part of its crackdown on irregularities, the government said penalties have been imposed on 349 LPG distributorships, while 74 distributorships have been suspended for violations related to stock management and distribution practices.

The ministry also confirmed that essential household energy supply remains uninterrupted. It stated that 100 percent supply is being maintained for domestic LPG, domestic PNG, and CNG used in transport.

However, it acknowledged that geopolitical developments have had some impact on overall supply chains, particularly in commercial segments. To address this, the allocation of commercial LPG has been restored to about 70 percent of pre-crisis levels.

In addition, public sector oil marketing companies sold around 11,082 metric tonnes of auto LPG since April, while targeted distribution efforts continue to ensure availability of smaller cylinders, especially for vulnerable and migrant populations.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways also assured that maritime operations remain stable. It confirmed that an LPG shipment carrying over 46,000 metric tonnes successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz without incident.

Officials further stated that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Port operations across the country continue to function normally.

Overall, authorities emphasised that while global geopolitical tensions persist, domestic LPG supply chains remain well-managed and stable through coordinated monitoring and enforcement efforts.

Global Crude Shortfall Could Reshape Demand and Strengthen OMC Margins

May 4 (BNP): A global crude oil supply shortfall of around 4.8 million barrels per day (mbpd) could potentially lead to demand destruction while improving margins for oil marketing companies (OMCs), according to a recent report.

The report suggests that tightening supply conditions in the global oil market may push prices higher, which in turn could moderate consumption levels as demand adjusts to elevated costs. Such a scenario often leads to reduced discretionary usage across key consuming regions.

At the same time, the supply-demand imbalance is expected to benefit refining and marketing companies. Higher crude price spreads and improved product pricing dynamics could support stronger margins for OMCs in the near term.

Analysts note that the extent of impact will depend on how global producers respond to the supply gap and whether demand adjusts more sharply in major consuming economies. Market conditions are likely to remain sensitive to geopolitical developments and production decisions by key oil-exporting nations.

Overall, the report highlights a mixed outlook, where near-term demand pressure coexists with potential margin gains for downstream oil companies.