Global oil markets are undergoing significant structural shifts driven by geopolitical developments, evolving supply dynamics, energy transition pressures, and changing demand patterns across regions. For India, one of the world’s fastest-growing energy consumers, these shifts have direct implications for oil demand growth, refining and midstream capacity expansion, energy security, and long-term transition strategies. Navigating this complex landscape requires a clear understanding of global market signals, credible demand forecasts, and aligned policy responses.

Against this backdrop, the proposed strategic panel aims to bring together global market experts and policymakers to deliberate on emerging trends in global oil markets and their implications for India’s energy planning and transition pathways.

Objectives
•    To assess emerging trends in global oil supply, demand, and pricing dynamics
•    To examine India’s oil demand outlook in the context of economic growth and energy transition
•    To discuss capacity enhancement strategies across refining, storage, and logistics
•    To explore policy and market pathways for ensuring energy security, affordability, and resilience
•    To align global market insights with India’s long-term energy transition goals

Key Discussion Themes
•    Outlook for global oil markets amid geopolitical and structural shifts
•    India’s oil demand growth: sectoral drivers and long-term projections
•    Refining and infrastructure capacity expansion in a transitioning energy landscape
•    Managing volatility, supply risks, and price uncertainty
•    Role of oil in India’s energy transition and decarbonisation pathway
•    Market intelligence and data-driven policymaking for strategic energy planning

India’s petrochemicals and plastics sector is at a critical inflection point, shaped by evolving global supply-demand dynamics and a renewed focus on export-led growth. Shifts in the policy framework reflect efforts to balance regulatory objectives with ease of doing business and global competitiveness.

At the same time, global surplus capacities—particularly in polymers and key petrochemicals—have altered trade flows, pricing dynamics, and competitive pressures. These developments present both challenges and opportunities for Indian producers, converters, and MSMEs. Against this backdrop, the roundtable seeks to facilitate focused deliberations among policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to identify actionable strategies that strengthen domestic competitiveness while enhancing India’s integration with global value chains.

Objectives
To deliberate on the evolving dynamics of India’s petrochemical and plastics industry considering recent policy changes (Rescinded QCO order dated 12.11.2025), global supply chain disruptions, and export promotion initiatives (Export Promotion Mission Gazette dated 12.11.2025). The discussion aims to identify actionable strategies for balancing domestic competitiveness with global integration. 

Key Discussion Themes
• Withdrawal of Quality Control Orders (QCOs): Impact and Way Forward
o How does the rollback of QCOs affect domestic petrochemical manufacturers and downstream converters?
o Ensuring quality standards while promoting ease of doing business.

• Cheap Raw Material Imports: Boon or Curse?
o The effect of Chinese surplus capacity in polymers and major chemicals on Indian markets.
o Can India leverage low-cost imports without undermining domestic industry viability?

• Export Promotion Mission: Building a Global Chemicals, Petrochemicals & Plastics Ecosystem
o Opportunities for Indian MSME sectors in chemicals, petrochemicals, and plastics under the new export promotion framework.
o Strategies to enhance value-added exports and integrate with global supply chains.

• Policy and Industry Collaboration
o Trade measures and regulatory frameworks to ensure a level playing field.
o  Role of government and industry bodies in fostering sustainable growth.

• Technical & Indigenous Technology Development
o Accelerating R&D for indigenous petrochemical technologies and catalysts.
o Collaboration between PSUs, private sector, and academia for innovation.
o Reducing dependency on imported technology and building domestic IP.