MRPL Declares Force Majeure On Gasoline Exports

09 Mar 2026 CW Team

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) declared force majeure on all gasoline export cargoes for March and April as conflict in the Middle East disrupted crude flows from the Gulf. Two traders who deal with the company said they received a notice confirming the invocation of force majeure for gasoline shipments. The state-run refiner operates a 500,000 barrel per day refinery in Karnataka and exports about 40 per cent of its refined fuel output.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around one fifth of the oil consumed globally, has virtually stopped after vessels in the area were hit following attacks and retaliatory strikes, leaving energy trade flows in disarray. The disruption has prompted Indian refiners to reassess supply routes and seek alternative crude and fuel sources to maintain refinery runs. India sources about 40 per cent of its crude needs from the Middle East in addition to spot purchases and domestic oil processing.

A government source said India is scouting for alternative imports of crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas and liquefied natural gas, and that refiners and authorities are monitoring inventories closely. The source added that refiners had previously explored purchases from Venezuela after some refiners halted Russian oil imports to comply with Western sanctions. India holds sufficient crude inventories to meet demand for about 25 days and refiners maintain around a 25 day stock of gasoil, gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas.

Market participants said the force majeure notice is likely to affect regional gasoline availability and could add to near term price volatility, while shipping firms and traders reassess routing and scheduling. MRPL did not immediately respond to requests for comment but an industry source confirmed the move. Authorities and refiners continue to evaluate options to secure supplies and mitigate disruptions to fuel markets.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..