India's auto index falls to 7-month low on oil spike, LNG supply disruption

UNO Minda

12/03/2026 08:09

** Indian auto stocks .NIFTYAUTO fall 2.83% to 25,192, hitting seven-month low; biggest loser among major sectors

** Higher oil prices, LNG supply disruptions amid Iran war affect automakers, suppliers, brokerages say

** Oil trading around $100 a barrel; Brent futures hit $100 briefly

** Nomura says ~48% of India's LNG import volumes at risk after supplies curtailed

** Notes high utilisation OEMs, suppliers - Maruti Suzuki MRTI.NS, TVS Motors TVSM.NS, Bajaj Auto BAJA.NS, Balkrishna Industries BLKI.NS, Apollo Tyres APLO.NS, Uno Minda UNOI.NS, Bharat Forge BFRG.NS - likely more exposed to gas shortages, higher spot prices

** Goldman Sachs says auto OEMs use LNG as process fuel in paint shops, auto suppliers use gas extensively in manufacturing

** YTD, NIFTYAUTO down ~10.7%; benchmark Nifty 50 .NSEI falls ~9.3%

 (Reporting by Abhirami G in Bengaluru)

 ((abhirami.g@thomsonreuters.com))