India's downstream oil and gas demand, upstream output to keep rising in FY24: Fitch Ratings

According to Fitch Ratings, this follows a robust 5 per cent year-on-year increase in the first nine months of FY24 and a noteworthy 10 per cent post-pandemic recovery witnessed in FY23.

The surge in demand for petroleum products has been fueled by a range of factors, including heightened economic activities in the agriculture and power sectors, a surge in holiday travel, and increased auto sales.

Notably, both petrol and diesel sales recorded robust 4 per cent -6 per cent increases in the first nine months of FY24, reflecting the country's economic resurgence.

Looking ahead, Fitch expects Indian refiners' gross refining margins (GRM) to moderate during FY25 from the strong levels anticipated in FY24, albeit remaining above mid-cycle levels.

By FY26, a gradual shift closer to mid-cycle levels is foreseen, buoyed by escalating demand for end-products. Despite the anticipated normalization of the crude supply mix away from Russian imports, Fitch projects GRMs to remain robust, supported by the rising demand for end-products.

In the upstream segment, domestic oil and gas production has witnessed a modest increase, driven particularly by a 5 per cent rise in gas production during the first nine months of FY24.

Fitch anticipates production to continue to rise moderately, with technological investments in enhanced oil recovery techniques expected to offset natural declines.

The oil and gas sector's high capital expenditure (capex) intensity is expected to persist in the medium term, especially with upstream companies focusing on production enhancement initiatives.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), with a credit rating of BBB-/Stable, is expected to maintain higher capex levels due to planned investments by its subsidiary, HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited.

Other oil marketing companies, including HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (BB/Positive), are anticipated to have minimal capex requirements as they have completed their expansion projects.

Overall, Fitch's outlook underscores the resilience and growth potential of India's downstream oil and gas sector, driven by rising demand and strategic investments across the value chain. (ANI)