The week in charts: Iran war impact, US Fed decision, HDFC Bank crisis
From India doubling down on fertilizer imports from non-West Asia sources to the US Federal Reserve decision to pause rates, the leadership crisis at HDFC Bank and youth unemployment in India rising to a four-month high in February—here’s a compilation of this week’s news in numbers.After LPG, fertilizers are emerging as the next major pressure point for India as it navigates the fallout of the West Asia conflict. The government is looking to diversify sourcing by stepping up purchases from countries such as Indonesia, Belarus, Morocco and China, Mint reported.
India imports nearly 30% of its fertilizer consumption, with five of its top 10 suppliers located in West Asia, accounting for about 30% of imports.The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical transit route for fertilizers and their inputs. According to The Fertilizer Institute, 45% of global sulphur, 34% of urea, and 23% of DAP trade is linked to countries involved in the conflict, heightening risks for India.
Moreover the natural gas squeeze— a critical feedstock— risks impacting domestic fertilizer output.Jerome Powell-led US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, within the 3.5% and 3.75% range, adopting a cautious ‘wait-and-watch’ stance amid the ongoing war in West Asia. The Fed had cut rates three consecutive times last year before pausing from January this year.The decision comes against the backdrop of still-elevated inflation and early signs of a slowing labour market.
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