Market News Today

As of April 24, 2026, the Indian pipe market is witnessing a structural divergence. While Ductile Iron (DI) pipes remain in a high-demand "bullish" zone driven by aggressive water infrastructure projects like the Jal Jeevan Mission, the MS ERW pipe segment is navigating a period of stabilization. Despite rising raw material costs (HRC), the MS segment faces high inventory levels, keeping prices range-bound. Procurement teams are currently balancing healthy spot availability in MS pipes against extended 4–6 week lead times for specialized DI grades.

Polymer price in India has corrected sharply due to domestic price cuts and weak demand. Labour shortages, especially in Surat, are impacting downstream industries. Improving global supply and aggressive Chinese exports are adding pressure. The market is expected to remain weak in the short term, with volatility driven by geopolitical developments.

Bitumen price in India remains elevated across VG30 and VG40 grades, supported by tight global supply and continued Strait of Hormuz risks. While demand in India stays strong, global consumption remains cautious. Prices are expected to remain firm in the near term, with volatility driven by crude oil movements and geopolitical developments.

Toluene prices in India remain firm at ₹90–96/kg but face softening momentum due to weaker crude oil and sluggish downstream demand. Improved supply conditions and refinery inventory pressure are weighing on the market. While geopolitical risks provide support, the overall outlook remains cautious with a slight downward bias in the near term.

ACME Dhaulpur Powertech shows strong stability with its 200 MW Rajasthan solar project. A 25-year PPA with SECI at Rs 2.48/unit ensures predictable revenue and stable operations, supported by high efficiency and sound financial health.

India reports strong 5 Kg FTL cylinder sales (17.83 lakh since April 2026) and 5.27 lakh new PNG connections. Government assures uninterrupted fuel supply amid West Asia tensions, urging no panic buying and promoting cleaner energy.

HOCL resumed commercial production at its Phenol & Cumene plant in Kochi on April 24, 2026, following a temporary shutdown. This marks a return to normal operations after a force majeure event.

Highway construction hit 9,380 km last fiscal, missing the 10,000 km target due to land acquisition and regulatory delays. This lowest pace since 2017-18 also saw contract awards drop to 7,538 km in FY25.

TCIL seeks partners for a hybrid solar PV and BESS project in Mauritius' Agalega Islands. The EOI requires specific financial (MUR 15.31M turnover) and technical criteria, with bids due April 30, 2026, and an EMD of MUR 277,550.

BCCL offers PI relaxation and 10% cash discounts for power sector consumers in Q1 FY27 (April-June 2026) to meet 233 MT coal demand, an 11.5% increase. Discount applies for over 140% offtake.