OMCs Face Mounting LPG Losses Despite Subsidy Plan
OIL & GAS

OMCs Face Mounting LPG Losses Despite Subsidy Plan

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) continue to face significant financial strain from LPG under-recoveries even as the government prepares to release subsidies over the coming months, according to a report by Nuvama Research.

The report estimates current LPG-related losses for OMCs at Rs 537 billion. The companies are expected to receive Rs 300 billion in LPG subsidy, disbursed in 12 monthly tranches, compared with cumulative under-recoveries of Rs 537 billion as of September 2025. The equal monthly instalments, scheduled to begin in November 2025, will be accounted for directly as revenue.

However, Nuvama warned that under-recoveries are likely to rise further. Regional LPG prices typically increase in winter, and the announced subsidy would cover only about 56 per cent of the existing losses. This means the financial gap for OMCs is set to widen despite government support.

LPG under-recovery refers to the loss incurred when the cost of sourcing or importing LPG exceeds the retail price charged to consumers. Government subsidies offset part of this gap, but the current levels fall short of covering the full burden.

The report added that OMC capital expenditure is expected to remain elevated due to long-gestation infrastructure projects, putting pressure on return ratios in the near term. It also noted potential de-rating in city gas distribution (CGD) company valuations amid policy uncertainty.

On the upstream side, the report described ONGC’s production guidance as optimistic, noting that the company has missed its targets for seven consecutive years. It also remained cautious on GAIL due to soft demand conditions and continued volatility in its marketing earnings.

Overall, the report highlighted rising challenges across the oil and gas sector, with subsidy support offering only partial relief amid expanding under-recoveries and broader sectoral uncertainty.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) continue to face significant financial strain from LPG under-recoveries even as the government prepares to release subsidies over the coming months, according to a report by Nuvama Research. The report estimates current LPG-related losses for OMCs at Rs 537 billion. The companies are expected to receive Rs 300 billion in LPG subsidy, disbursed in 12 monthly tranches, compared with cumulative under-recoveries of Rs 537 billion as of September 2025. The equal monthly instalments, scheduled to begin in November 2025, will be accounted for directly as revenue. However, Nuvama warned that under-recoveries are likely to rise further. Regional LPG prices typically increase in winter, and the announced subsidy would cover only about 56 per cent of the existing losses. This means the financial gap for OMCs is set to widen despite government support. LPG under-recovery refers to the loss incurred when the cost of sourcing or importing LPG exceeds the retail price charged to consumers. Government subsidies offset part of this gap, but the current levels fall short of covering the full burden. The report added that OMC capital expenditure is expected to remain elevated due to long-gestation infrastructure projects, putting pressure on return ratios in the near term. It also noted potential de-rating in city gas distribution (CGD) company valuations amid policy uncertainty. On the upstream side, the report described ONGC’s production guidance as optimistic, noting that the company has missed its targets for seven consecutive years. It also remained cautious on GAIL due to soft demand conditions and continued volatility in its marketing earnings. Overall, the report highlighted rising challenges across the oil and gas sector, with subsidy support offering only partial relief amid expanding under-recoveries and broader sectoral uncertainty.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement