FinMin Sees Crude Oil Threat Easing, Not Over

The surge in crude oil prices following the Israel-Iran conflict was a threat to India's economic growth in the current financial year, but while the danger has abated, it is too soon to sound the "all clear" for the rest of the fiscal, the finance ministry's monthly economic review said on Friday.

- Rajeev Jayaswal

NEW DELHI:

The ministry's monthly economic review warned that the 12-day war, which began on June 13, could have threatened India's growth and fiscal outlook as international oil prices surged up to 14%. Benchmark Brent crude peaked at $78.85 per barrel on June 19 before falling below $70 following President Donald Trump's ceasefire announcement, closing at $67.73 on Thursday.

"The brief Israel-Iran war, followed by US intervention, pushed crude oil prices sharply higher. Its persistence would have threatened India's growth and fiscal outlook in the current financial year. Thankfully, there is a ceasefire, and oil prices have retreated sharply," the report stated.