Rising crude, uncertainty ahead of elections keep analysts wary on OMCs

Analysts say the already weakening marketing margins will be a concern ahead as the fate of OMCs remains tied to uncertain crude prices and the inability to raise prices amid the coming elections

Notwithstanding the robust turnaround in the financial performance for the June quarter (Q1FY24), stocks of state-run oil marketing companies have been in a downtrend in the last month. The fall comes on a rise in crude oil prices that have surged to a 7-month high of $88 a barrel.

A busy political calendar in the months ahead that may see the government keep a lid on auto fuel prices is also a dampener, analysts said.

Shares of Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Indian Oil (IOC) have shed 9-11 per cent since their respective earnings announcement between July 26