Anand Gupta

Amidst ongoing war related disruptions in M.E region, India’s interest of procuring crude oil from M.E regions has started to cool down. This was evident from the import data of Metalogic PMS which reflects that out of top 5 regions from where India has been importing crude from past few years, 3 are from Middle East market. As the ongoing Gaza-Hamas war which initiated late in 2023 signals at no stoppage anytime soon and is giving further signals of escalation, the Indian market has started to reduce their crude oil imports from the M.E market and started procuring the energy commodity from other regions, especially Russia and U.S. The trend is visible (in graph) since the last 2 weeks where it can be seen that Russia and US crude oil imports has gained on the behalf of decline in crude oil imports from all major M.E region. For crude oil imports from Russia, it can be seen that the country’s appetite for Russian crude was gradually slowing down on absence of huge discounts offered by Russian refiners since its war begun and sanctions were imposed by Western world. For now, the Russia crude is only $3 - $4 per barrel lower priced than crude offered by gulf regions. The factor made Indian refiners increase their imports from other regions as well including Gulf market. However, seeing the rising tensions in M.E regions and domestic refiners wanting to take no risk while sourcing the crude barrels and secure their cargos, they have again shifted their interest in Russian and U.S markets. Import stats: In June, India imported 1.97 million bpd of crude oil from Russia which constituted around 42 percent of total crude oil imports in the month. Private sector refiners in India accounted for 44 percent of the total Russian crude imports in June, an increase from 40 percent in May. Iraq's supplies to India experienced a 22 percent decline in June, amounting to 754,000 barrels per day (bpd), while imports from Saudi Arabia decreased by 36 percent to 387,000 bpd. However, the United States witnessed a 63 percent increase in supplies to Indiareaching 330,000 bpd. https://lnkd.in/gFe9vfC8 Indian Oil Corp Limited #oil Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Shell Surgutneftegas Gazpromneft- NTC LUKOIL Chevron Marathon Petroleum Corporation Oxy Devon Energy ExxonMobil Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Govt of India

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Delivered highest ever sales in Q4FY24, registering strong volume growth of 23% in FY24, despite global headwinds and geopolitical issues impacting our export markets. With our agile business model, we effectively tapped the strong domestic demand across segments viz Railways, Auto, Infra etc, emerging from various initiatives of GOI. However, dumping from China remains a key concern for developing an inclusive SS ecosystem and protecting the MSME players. We’ve also chartered major #acquisitions and expansions in Indonesia & India: ·   To set up a 1.2 MTPA SS melt shop in a JV with 49% stake, closer to Ni resources in Indonesia. It will help us enhancing our raw material security. ·   To acquire 54% stake in Chromeni, the SS cold roll mill in Gujarat. It will help us expanding our access to western India, Mudra port, expansion optionality ·   Brownfield expansion to enhance our downstream facilities, upgrading infrastructure and multiple ESG/sustainability projects. With these comprehensive expansion plan thru organic and inorganic capex, we’ve orchestrated a clear growth plan to become one of the leading Stainless-Steel players globally.

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Visited ZAK Delhi. One of India’s best exhibitions related to Fenestration Industry. Some key learnings: More innovations happening in Aluminum windows Industry vs uPVC windows. Small extrusions companies shifting towards products and solutions rather than just being commodity suppliers. All innovations in the windows space towards higher price points segment whereas India is primarily a middle class country. I feel if data revolution has not happened in India, the birth of social media videos, streaming apps and so much online content would not have happened. Hardware Industry’s innovation is only towards Aesthetics and high end functionality. This too has reliance on Imports and not seeing grounds up innovations coming from India. Large players still carrying forward their old products and smaller ones more agile and coming with new products every year. Digital intervention in Fenestration Industry to increase to enhance consumer experience and smoothen the supply and installation process for scaling of the Industry. Last but not the least, companies should strive towards Standardisation to offer quality and sustainable product to end consumers and make India proud by ‘Make in India’ .

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Ambitions in Steel Production: Boon or Bane for Distributors? We’re hearing news every day: JSW is partnering with POSCO to establish a new plant, Tata Steel is ramping up capacity, and AMNS is expanding aggressively. Nearly all major steel producers are doubling production capacity. This ambitious investment raises some questions: Is it because India is one of the fastest-growing economies? Or perhaps the “Make in India” initiative is booming? Could it be that our domestic industry is set to consume more steel, or that our per capita steel consumption lags behind the developing world average? Maybe the availability of easy finance is driving this surge? These are some of the questions that come to mind. As a steel distributor, I wonder: when so much material floods the market, what will our role be? Will this increased supply be a boon or a bane? After reflecting on this, I noted a few points: Opportunities: Reduced Shortages: Increased supply reduces shortages, allowing us to serve customers more reliably, which can strengthen relationships and margins. Lower Costs & Better Margins: Higher production can lead to cost efficiencies, potentially improving margins and helping distributors gain market share in price-sensitive segments. Expanded Product Portfolio: More production often drives innovation, offering more steel variants and an expanded portfolio for distributors to serve diverse needs. Market Expansion: With more inventory on hand, there’s potential to expand into a broader geographic market. Challenges: Inventory Risks: Higher production with lower demand could result in oversupply, causing prices to fall and leaving us with losses on held inventory. Direct Sales by Producers: Increased supply might prompt manufacturers to sell directly to consumers, potentially sidelining distributors. Credit Sales Pressures: To stay competitive, we may need to extend credit, increasing the risk of defaults or delayed payments. Constant Strategic Adaptation: The volatility could require frequent shifts in strategy, leading to potential losses and creating a challenging environment to operate in sustainably. Ultimately, it all comes down to how we approach and navigate these shifts in the market. The right strategies and adaptability will determine whether we turn these developments into opportunities or face significant challenges.

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Aaj ke samay mein sona aur tamba, inka mahatva bahut zyaada ho gaya hai. In times of global uncertainty, the price of gold goes up as people buy more of the precious metal. Copper demand is being fuelled by the technologies of the energy transition. Prices of both gold and copper are at, or near, record highs.   India has good resources of copper and gold. But we are heavily import dependent for both. India consumes around 900 tonnes of gold each year but produces only 1 tonne domestically. Our imports of gold every year are worth $45 billion or Rs 3.4 lakh crore. In copper, we import 95% of our requirement worth over $3 billion a year or Rs 24,000 crore.   What is common in both gold and copper is that we have public sector companies in each. In gold, they are the Hatti Gold Mines owned by the Government of Karnataka, and Bharat Gold Mines owned by the Government of India. For copper, it is Hindustan Copper Limited. Production has been more or less stagnant. Some may say there aren’t any reserves or resources left but I believe that with additional investment and the latest technology, both these assets have huge potential.   Of course, it is a risky investment because we cannot be sure of the outcome. Government has other priorities for spending. Under the circumstances, inviting private sector participation is the best way out. If the Government of India and Karnataka divest their shares, private companies are capable of acquiring them.   If it succeeds, the Government will earn a huge amount of revenue through taxes and royalties. There should not be any retrenchment. In fact, with import substitution, both these industry expansions and the development of thousands of downstream industries, massive jobs will be created. This is the need of the hour. A positive outcome will be hugely beneficial for Bharat.

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🌟 Strengthening India's Industrial Backbone Through Import Substitution 🌟 In today's dynamic industrial landscape, the emphasis on import substitution has never been more crucial. Key sectors such as Oil & Gas, Mining, Defence, Renewable Energy, Railways, and more heavily rely on specialised raw materials. To foster a self-reliant India and ensure sustainable growth, it is imperative to source these materials locally, reducing dependency on imports. At Blue Ocean Steels, we pride ourselves on being the one of the leading aggregators of special steels in the country. Our commitment to excellence and innovation positions us as the ideal partner for industries looking to transition towards import substitution. Here's why Blue Ocean Steels is your best choice: 1. High-Quality Steel Solutions: We provide a range of carbon, alloy, and tool die steels in various forms, including cast, forged, rolled, and heat-treated. We deal in steels that are tailored to meet national and international specifications, ensuring you get the best quality for your critical applications. 2. Comprehensive Supply Chain Management: From procurement to last-mile delivery, we manage the entire supply chain, ensuring seamless operations and timely availability of materials. Our nationwide service points in Pune, Chennai, Mumbai, Rajkot, and Ahmedabad ensure we are always close to our clients. Depending on the requirements, we can establish new warehousing facilities. 3. We can also work on staggered + Just in Time delivery options from our warehouses. 4. Trusted Partner : With over 65 years of industry experience (at the Group level), we have become the preferred supplier for numerous multinational companies and manufacturing entities, underscoring our reliability and excellence in service. As we continue to expand our capabilities and partnerships, now is the perfect time to rethink your sourcing strategies. Let’s collaborate to strengthen India’s industrial backbone and drive innovation in sectors that matter the most. Start thinking about the future of your supply chain. Reach out to us with your requirements and let Blue Ocean Steels be your trusted partner in achieving import substitution and beyond. Together, let's build a stronger, self-reliant India! #SpecialSteels #ImportSubstitution #OilAndGas #Mining #Defence #RenewableEnergy #SelfReliantIndia #BlueOceanSteels #SupplyChainExcellence #IndustrialGrowth #IndiaManufacturing #MakeInIndia #LocalSourcing #SteelIndustry #GreenSteel #SustainableManufacturing #IndustrialInnovation #QualitySteel #ManufacturingIndia #EconomicGrowth #IndianIndustry #IndustrialRevolution #SteelManufacturing #SupplyChainManagement #IndustrialDevelopment

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Good Morning! The Flywheel Effect The Flywheel Effect is a concept popularized by Jim Collins in his book "Good to Great." It describes how successful businesses achieve sustained growth through a series of small, consistent actions that build momentum over time. The idea is to push the flywheel gradually until it gains enough momentum to spin on its own, leading to compounding growth and success. Key Aspects: Consistent Effort: Success is achieved through consistent, incremental efforts rather than one-off, dramatic changes. Cumulative Progress: Each small step contributes to building momentum, leading to significant long-term progress. Sustained Momentum: Once enough momentum is built, the flywheel continues to spin with less effort, driving continuous growth. Starbucks has successfully utilized the Flywheel Effect to achieve sustained growth and market dominance. Here's how: Exceptional Product Quality: Starbucks started by offering high-quality coffee and unique beverages. This focus on quality attracted a loyal customer base. Customer Experience: They invested heavily in creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in their stores. The “third place” concept made Starbucks a preferred destination between home and work. Employee Training and Satisfaction: Starbucks emphasized training and treating employees well, ensuring they could provide excellent service. Happy employees led to satisfied customers. Brand Loyalty: High-quality products, a pleasant atmosphere, and great service fostered strong brand loyalty. Customers were willing to pay premium prices for the Starbucks experience. Expansion and Innovation: Starbucks used its growing brand loyalty and market presence to expand rapidly, opening new stores worldwide. They also introduced innovative products and services like mobile ordering and loyalty programs, enhancing customer convenience and engagement. Economies of Scale: As Starbucks expanded, it achieved economies of scale, reducing costs and improving margins. These savings were reinvested in further enhancing customer experience and store ambiance. Flywheel Effect in Action: Quality Products → Great Customer Experience → Customer Loyalty → Rapid Expansion → Economies of Scale → Reinvestment in Quality and Experience This cycle allowed Starbucks to maintain momentum and continue growing, reinforcing its position as a global coffee leader. Benefits: Sustainable Growth: Consistent focus on product quality and customer experience drove long-term growth. Market Leadership: The Flywheel Effect helped Starbucks become a dominant player in the coffee industry. Customer Retention: Strong brand loyalty ensured repeat business and a stable revenue base. Starbucks' success story illustrates how the Flywheel Effect can drive sustained growth through continuous improvement and strategic reinvestment. Hope you find this example inspiring! Have a great day ahead.

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Revolutionizing Aluminium Procurement with Vedanta Metal Bazaar (VMB) At Vedanta Aluminium, we are transforming how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) source aluminium. With Vedanta Metal Bazaar (VMB), India’s largest aluminium producer is empowering businesses to simplify procurement and focus on growth. 🚀 Key Highlights: ✅ 240% Surge in Active Users: SMEs have embraced VMB for its user-friendly interface. ✅ No Purchase Limits: Buy only what you need, directly from the source. ✅ AI-Driven Insights: Empowering customers with market trends and price transparency. ✅ Seamless Features: Real-time shipment tracking, price locking, and instant orders. ✅ Global Ambition: After overwhelming adoption in India, global expansion is on the horizon. ⚙️ Impact: • SMEs save time by eliminating intermediaries. • Aluminium usage is growing rapidly, driven by clean energy, EVs, and infrastructure projects. • VMB aligns with Digital India’s vision by offering a 360-degree solution to customers. Aluminium is shaping the future with its diverse applications, and VMB is at the forefront of this transformation. Let’s redefine aluminium sourcing—one click at a time. 🌐 #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #SMEGrowth #Vedanta #Aluminium #Sustainability

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Domestic steel prices have fallen to a three-year low due to increased steel imports in India.  Hot Rolled Coils (HRC) prices have fallen from a high of Rs 76,000 per tonne to Rs 51,000 per tonne in April 2022. Cold Rolled Coils (CRC) rates are trading at Rs 58,200 per tonne from a peak of Rs 86,300 per tonne in April 2022. HRC and CRC rates in India are trading at their three-year low. The increase in imports has impacted domestic prices, thereby impacting steel demand. Imports increased by 68% to 1.93 MT during the April-June quarter from 1.15 MT in the same period of 2023-24. Steel imports increased by 38 per cent to 8.319 MT in 2023-24, making India a net importer of the commodity. Steel companies have raised with the government the issue of increasing imports from select countries and sought measures to protect the domestic industry from increasing shipments. #Steel #steelimports #HRC #CRC #steelindustry

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How tech savvy are you? While on a drive yesterday, I came across a newspaper vendor’s stall. He had a typical simple yet functional set-up- open air stand with stacks of neatly arranged newspapers with colourful advertisements pinned to the sides of the stall…BUT, what caught my attention was the way he was managing his stock and carrying out minute transactions. Yes! He was managing his Inventory digitally…I stopped at him to purchase a newspaper and what I noticed was engrossing. He was using AI that was managing his stock by automatically tracking the quantity of newspapers sold, adjusting orders to ensure a steady supply…also had a QR code linked to his bank account, which was used by almost every buyer…these mere things showcase his digital literacy. Digitization in India has increasingly become a part of daily life, touching almost every aspect of how people live, work, and interact. Kudos to it! It’s transforming the world in exciting and powerful ways, making life more connected, efficient, and innovative. From healthcare to education, business to entertainment, digital tools are empowering people to think bigger, move faster, and accomplish more. The future is bright as technology continues to evolve, opening up new possibilities for collaboration, growth, and creativity. Let’s celebrate this digital revolution!

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Did you know that while the aircraft-manufacturing industry is dominated by US and Europe, the shipbuilding industry is dominated by Asia? Just three countries, China, Japan and South Korea account for almost 95% of ships manufactured globally. India is not in the top 20 but has all the potential to be a major player. From ancient times, we have built ships and used them to travel and trade. Today also, we have a basic industry largely in public sector. Private sector is also entering. The capability is there. With some incentives, India can become a major player in this $250 billion industry. If we create an ecosystem where more Indian companies operate ships rather than let foreign vessels dominate, manufacturing will get a big boost. Ship building has a very big employment multiplier of around 6.5 higher than most conventional industrial sectors. Therefore, it creates many jobs as well. This could be a sunrise sector for the economy.

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I spoke at the JSW One Platforms Ltd.’s MSME Masterclass yesterday! It was a great session with MSME owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Here are 5 major points that we discussed in this session: 1) I spoke of an in-depth understanding of the mechanical properties crucial for wires used in cold forging. 2) I discussed about common materials used in wire manufacturing for cold forging. 3) It was an interesting discussion about how material composition affects the properties of the wire and the final product. 4) We talked about the impact of tolerance levels on the quality and consistency of the fasteners. 5) The final point was about the importance of quality control measures in fastener manufacturing. Thanks, JSW One for inviting meeting to the amazing session. I am happy to share my years of expertise and experience with all of you. Looking forward to more sessions in near future! Here is the recording of the session: https://lnkd.in/gfFffUM9 Did you attend the session? 👋 Did you like the insights? #india #steel #manufacturing #wire #quality #fasteners

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Hindustan Zinc is a crown jewel for Vedanta. As the world’s 2nd largest integrated producer of Zinc and 3rd largest Silver producer HZL continues to create immense value for all its shareholders.  It makes me proud to share that in the past 2 decades, HZL has delivered total shareholder returns of 562x. In the past 10 years itself, HZL’s dividend payouts are over Rs. 1.1 lakh crore – amongst the highest in the country. Committed to nation building, Hindustan Zinc has contributed around Rs. 80,000 crores to the national exchequer in last 5 years. The future for HZL shines bright as it supplies both Zinc & Silver, which are key minerals for national security, and drives up capacities for both with a strong focus on recycling and future minerals. Let’s stay single-mindedly focused on serving the needs of a rapidly growing nation. #Indiafirst

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AI holds enormous potential to revolutionise the manufacturing sector, including the stainless steel industry. In this edition of the The Economic Times, I write about the ability of AI to bolster our industry’s competitiveness in the global market and enable us to become safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Integrating digital technologies into manufacturing will pave the way for smart factories where digital and physical systems collaborate seamlessly. For stainless steel manufacturing, there is the promise of optimising processes, enhancing energy efficiency, and boosting the productivity of our people. Our goal should be to use AI to renew and re-energise, not replace.

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Please spare some of your precious time on discussion with quality people. they are... Need not to be from your industry. Any industry is fine.. Ultimately everything ends in "Sales". I've gathered some key Observations based on my recent discussion:- In today’s sales world, Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is as important as knowing your product inside out. This article breaks down how cultivating EQ can boost your negotiation success. in simple statement, “Mastering negotiation starts with understanding human behaviour “ Active listening and clarifying concerns can turn hesitation into agreement. So, “The difference between success and failure in sales lies in your ability to handle objections” Mobile-first strategies, real-time collaboration, and integrating AI tools will keep your team competitive. Let me rephrase it, “Speed and personalization are the new keys to winning B2B negotiations.” Sales is no longer just about pushing products—it’s about creating partnerships. it's “Trust and transparency add values to your offer” Structured agenda and constructive questioning are key for good negotiations. By understanding the other party’s needs, you can repackage deals without giving up more and it goes... “Preparation is 80% of negotiation success” #sales #negotiation #REIL #Elders #discussions #Quality

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Connect with our team for any of your business need... 1. Advance, Safe & Green Material Handling Equipment ( #Forklift #TowTruck #Tugger #ArticulatedForklift) 2. Professionally trained Material Handling Equipment drivers ( #Forklift #TowTruck #Tugger #ArticulatedForklift) 3. Combination of Both ( 1 & 2 )

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