The Times of India

India has launched an anti-dumping probe into Chinese ethyl chloroformate imports following a complaint by domestic producer Paushak, alleging unfair pricing that harms local industry. The investigation, initiated by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies, will assess if duties are needed to protect Indian manufacturers. This move is part of a broader effort to curb cheap imports.

Amidst escalating Middle Eastern tensions, many Indian blue-collar workers are staying put for jobs and family support, despite recruiters warning of potential layoffs. While salaries remain consistent, some workers are on mandatory leave as demand for labour declines. Experts foresee a hiring surge post-conflict, but current uncertainty impacts operations and domestic hiring.

The government is incentivising states to transition to piped natural gas (PNG) by offering an additional 10% commercial LPG allocation. Despite ongoing global supply disruptions causing a worrisome LPG situation, improvements in online bookings are noted. States can earn extra LPG by forming committees, simplifying permissions, and implementing infrastructure schemes.

March 2026 brings a series of bank holidays across India, impacting branch operations significantly. Customers should note closures for festivals like Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi, Eid-Ul-Fitr, and Ramzan, alongside state-specific observances and the second and fourth Saturdays. Digital banking remains available for routine transactions, but services requiring branch visits must be rescheduled.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha proposed reforms to ease financial burdens, advocating for optional joint income tax filing for couples, full tax exemption on disability pensions for all wounded soldiers, and removal of bank minimum balance penalties. These proposals aim to create a fairer financial system for ordinary citizens amidst ongoing pensioner concerns.

Data from Vortexa Ltd. indicates that at least seven vessels transporting Russian crude have altered their routes mid-journey, changing course from China to India. At present, all major Indian refiners are actively sourcing Russian oil.

Escalating Middle East tensions are impacting Indian households and businesses reliant on LPG imports. To counter supply disruptions, the government is urging a swift shift to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), fast-tracking approvals and waiving charges for pipeline infrastructure. This initiative aims to ease the strain on LPG supplies, with hospitality and industrial sectors already facing significant challenges.

Among individual stocks, Coforge and Persistent Systems surged more than 4% each. TCS, the countrys largest software exporter, advanced around 3%, while LTIMindtree also posted gains of over 3%.

The ongoing US-Iran war has meant that shipments from the Middle East and in particular the Strait of Hormuz have been held up. India imports a major chunk of its LPG needs, and a substantial percentage of that comes from the Middle East.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices lack an immediate bullish bias, though the current phase is more consolidative than corrective, says Maneesh Sharma, AVP - Commodities & Currencies at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.

Middle East conflict escalates, disrupting global oil flow. Iran's Strait of Hormuz threats push crude to the Red Sea, but even this route faces danger. Iran warns of targeting US-linked facilities, raising fears of further supply disruptions and potential oil price spikes, impacting consumers worldwide.

Airlines must now allocate at least 60% of seats free of charge, ensuring families and groups on the same PNR are seated together, preferably adjacently. This directive aims to address passenger grievances regarding seat selection fees and separation of travel companions. The DGCA also mandates transparent policies for sports equipment, musical instruments, and pets, alongside prominent display of passenger rights.

Asian equities rose as oil prices paused their rally, despite escalating Middle East tensions. Investors await U.S. Federal Reserve signals on interest rates, with markets anticipating no rate cuts this year. The U.S. dollar weakened, while Treasuries found support after a strong bond auction.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex continued their upward trend for the third day on Wednesday. While Nifty50 went above 23,650, BSE Sensex was up over 300 points.

Middle East tensions are causing oil prices to fluctuate, with Brent crude and WTI experiencing initial gains followed by a slip. Attacks on energy facilities and threats to key shipping routes are fueling supply concerns, impacting global markets and leading to higher gasoline prices in the US. India faces LPG supply worries, though authorities assure stability.

Stock market recommendations: Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) are the top three stocks that Mehul Kothari, DVP - Technical Research at Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers recommends buying today (March 18, 2026):

Brokerages reinstate 'add' and 'buy' ratings on Aster DM, Marico, and Hindalco, citing robust growth prospects driven by mergers, value-added products, and domestic demand. Tata Motors PV sees a target price cut due to JLR woes and rising costs, while JSW Infrastructure maintains strong growth targets despite geopolitical headwinds.

Geopolitical tensions have left many expatriates stranded abroad, raising questions about salary continuation. UAE labour law dictates salary is tied to work but unavoidable absences due to conflict or travel bans are considered justified. Outcomes depend on remote work capability, employer agreement and clear communication, with flexibility and negotiation being key.

Beyond oil and gas, several other sectors of the economy will likely see a hit if the US-Iran war continues for a longer duration. According to Barclays, India's non-energy imports from the Middle East are sizable as well - at approximately 10% of total non-energy imports.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is expanding its portfolio with the acquisition of an ultra-luxury resort in Coorg, marking a significant step into nature-led and wellness hospitality.

Global tensions in the Middle East are directly impacting Indian households, causing a severe LPG shortage. Rising fuel costs and disrupted shipments have led to panic bookings, long queues, and black marketing, forcing businesses to adapt and highlighting India's heavy reliance on imports. The situation is escalating, affecting daily life and livelihoods across the nation.

Retail diesel prices in the U.S. have surpassed $5 a gallon for the second time, impacting global economic activity and consumer goods. This surge, driven by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, presents a challenge for the upcoming midterm elections. Gasoline prices also reached their highest since October 2023, with little sign of easing.

The Department of Posts has launched three new premium delivery services, offering guaranteed 24-hour and 48-hour delivery for urgent consignments in six major cities. These services, including 24 Speed Post and 48 Speed Post, aim to capitalize on the growing e-commerce market with features like OTP verification and real-time tracking.

Gold prices surged on Tuesday, with April 2026 futures on MCX rising 1% to Rs 1,56,996 per 10 grams. Investors sought safe-haven assets amid escalating Middle East tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which also kept oil prices above $100 per barrel. Globally, spot gold edged up slightly.

Emirates faces drastically low passenger numbers on inbound flights to Dubai, with some routes seeing as few as 5% occupancy. This comes amid travel advisories and disruptions in the Persian Gulf region. While outbound flights are also impacted by no-shows, the airline continues cargo operations and maintains a faster pace than competitors, prioritizing safety.

Middle East tensions are disrupting LPG supplies to India's food services sector, leading to operational stress. Restaurant owners warn of layoffs and salary cuts as commercial LPG access remains inconsistent, impacting smaller businesses and street vendors most severely. The industry braces for prolonged disruption with no clear recovery timeline.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and HCL Technologies dropped nearly 2%, while Tech Mahindra slipped more than 1%. The declines pushed the Nifty IT index down by over 2%, making it the worst-performing sectoral index on the NSE.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices will continue to take cues from crude oil prices, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.

Global oil prices are soaring due to Middle East conflict. Dubai crude reached an all-time high, becoming the world's most expensive. Supply disruptions are impacting Asian refiners. They are cutting operations or seeking oil from other regions. Middle East exports to Asia have significantly dropped. Trading activity is slowing, with some benchmarks considered broken.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened flat in trade on Tuesday after a day of gains. While Nifty50 was near 23,400, BSE Sensex was down around 50 points.

Middle East conflict intensifies, driving oil prices higher as fears of supply disruptions mount. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted, impacting production and leading to calls for strategic reserve releases. Analysts warn of further price hikes if tensions persist, potentially impacting global economies.

Stock market recommendations: MCX, Power Finance Corporation Limited, and BSE are the top stocks that Somil Mehta, Head of Retail Research, Mirae Asset ShareKhan has recommended for buying on March 17, 2026.