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Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
India's oil imports from US surged over 270% in first four months of year
India's oil imports from the US jumped over 270 per cent year-on-year in the first four months of 2025, underscoring Delhi's strategy of enhancing American imports amid trade pact negotiations and diversifying its sources of crude oil in a volatile geopolitical and geo-economic environment. Negotiations between India and the US for an interim trade deal by July 9 have entered their final phase. According to the latest available data with the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India imported 6.31 million tonnes of US crude in January-April, sharply up from 1.69 million tonnes in the year-ago period. With this, the US accounted for 7 per cent of India's oil imports for January-April 2025, significantly higher than 2 per cent in the corresponding four months of 2024. In value terms, India's US crude imports in the first four months of the current calendar year stood at $3.78 billion, a big jump from around $ 1 billion in the year-ago period. It is worth noting that not just volumes, but oil price fluctuations also play a crucial role in determining the value of imports. India is stepping up imports from the US across categories to address America's key concern of a widening goods trade deficit. Under the likely trade deal, India is also expected to open up its market to a range of American goods – from cars and defence equipment to agricultural products. Official data show that while India's overall imports in April rose by only 19 per cent, imports from the US jumped 63 per cent to $5.24 billion, up from $3.20 billion in April 2024. This rise in imports narrowed India's goods trade surplus with the US to $3.1 billion, down from $3.4 billion. Expanding energy trade with the US would, to an extent, allay Washington's concerns about the balance of trade between the two countries. Also, from a strategic and energy security perspective, stepping up purchases of American oil helps India with some leverage with other supplying nations, whose supply volumes may be dented as a result, according to sources. The aim there would be to nudge them to offer oil to India at even better prices in a bid to protect their market share. Additionally, given the tensions in West Asia, sourcing oil from regions that can completely bypass the region's shipping routes is strategically important for India, which depends on imports to meet over 88 per cent of crude oil requirement. High import dependency and growing energy consumption make the country an attractive market for oil and gas exporters. President Donald Trump has been eyeing increasing energy exports to India and in February, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US, the President said that India and the US had agreed to take steps towards making Washington 'a leading supplier of oil and gas to India', which could help bridge the trade deficit between the two countries. Trump said that the US will 'hopefully' be India's top oil and gas supplier. The jump in overall imports in April – potentially signalling a broader trend – was driven by a sharp 270 per cent year-on-year increase in oil imports to 3.56 million tonnes. In March, too, US oil imports surged 247 per cent year-on-year to 1.26 million tonnes. Overall, the share of US crude in India's oil imports rose from 4.6 per cent in April 2024 to 12 per cent this year. That's higher than the 4.7 per cent recorded just a month earlier in March. Ravi Dutta Mishra is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, covering policy issues related to trade, commerce, and banking. He has over five years of experience and has previously worked with Mint, CNBC-TV18, and other news outlets. ... Read More Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More


Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian basmati 24-25 exports up Rs1,923cr over last season
1 2 3 Chandigarh: Despite the shadow of tensions between Iran and Israel, the export of Indian basmati rice surged by Rs 1,923 crore in 2024-25 fiscal year (April-March) compared with the previous fiscal year, according to the data available with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The escalating Israel-Iran conflict over the last fortnight had held up Basmati shipments. In terms of value in rupees, the exports were about 3.97% higher than the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to the data compiled by the Kolkata-based Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), aided by the strong demand from the Middle East. According to DGCIS data, India exported basmati rice worth Rs 50,312 crore (about $5.87 billion) in 2024-25 fiscal year. The value of exports of in the 2023-24 FY was about Rs 48,389 crore (nearly $5.74 billion). You Can Also Check: Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh In terms of volume, India exported about 60.65 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of basmati rice in 2024-25, 8.23 LMT (15.7%) more than in 2023-24. As per the APEDA data, India exported basmati rice to 154 countries in the 2024-25 fiscal year, while it had sold the commodity to 150 countries in the previous trading season. Saudi Arabia was the biggest importer of Indian basmati rice in quantity at about 11.73 LMT, followed by Iraq and Iran at 9.05 LMT and 8.55 LMT, respectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Invertir $100 en CFD con IA podría devolverte un segundo salario digitalnewads Empieza ahora Undo These three countries were the top three importers in 2023-24 as well, buying 10.98 LMT, 8.24 LMT and 6.7 LMT of the commodity respectively. The other top 10 countries of importers include Yemen Republic (3.92 LMT), the United Arab Emirates (3.89 LMT), the United States of America (2.74 LMT), the United Kingdom (1.80 LMT), Kuwait (1.75 LMT), Oman (1.49 LMT) and Qatar (1.24 LMT). In terms of rupee value, Saudi Arabia was the biggest buyer, paying Rs 10,190.73 crore for the Indian basmati rice, followed by Iraq (Rs 7,201 crore), Iran (Rs 6,374 crore), UAE (Rs 3,089 crore), Yemen (Rs 3,038.56 crore), and the US (Rs 2,849 crore). Other big importers of Indian basmati rice in terms of value include the UK (Rs 1,613.36 crore), Kuwait (Rs 1,518.8 crore), Oman (Rs 1,223 crore) and Qatar (Rs 1,040 crore).


News18
01-06-2025
- Business
- News18
India Is Obsessed with Cranberries Right Now And Here's Why
Last Updated: From health to heritage, cranberries are becoming embedded in India's evolving food culture From kitchen experiments to wellness routines, cranberries have become India's new go-to superfruit. Once considered a Western staple, the tiny tart berry is now starring in everything from fusion biryanis to summer lassis. The Cranberry Craze Is Real India's cranberry imports witnessed a substantial surge between FY 2021-22 and FY 2023-24. The country's overall cranberry imports grew by 52.28%, rising from 2080 metric tons (MT) to 3166 MT during this period. Notably, imports of US cranberries saw an increase of 61.85%, with volumes rising from 1390 MT in FY 2021-22 to 2245 MT in FY 2023-24. This upward trend underscores the growing demand for cranberries in India, with the US emerging as one of the key suppliers. Source: DGCIS, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India Much of this growth has been fueled by strategic market development efforts by US Cranberries Industries. The organization, which spearheads cranberry research and international promotions, is actively engaging with Indian stakeholders across sectors—from foodservice and retail to nutrition and wellness advocacy. Through chef collaborations, trade shows, and influencer partnerships, they are helping reposition cranberries in India from an exotic berry to an everyday superfruit. Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative, The Cranberry Institute, remarked, 'India is a growth market for US cranberries. We have seen tremendous demand for both dried US cranberries and cranberry juice in India as more Indian consumers are discovering this amazing berry. Dried cranberries are not only being used as an anytime snack but also as an ingredient in various Western and ethnic dishes." 'US cranberries are easily available both with retail dry fruit sellers and on e-commerce platforms," Saran added. 2. Cranberries in Indian Kitchens The beauty of cranberries lies in how well they adapt to desi flavours. Indian home cooks have made them their own with innovative yet familiar twists: Cranberry Coconut Laddoos – The humble laddoo gets an upgrade with a tart cranberry centre, balancing sweetness with zing. Perfect for festivals or guilt-free snacking. Cranberry Pulihora (Tamarind Rice) – A tangy twist on a South Indian staple. Dried cranberries replace tamarind to offer a sweet-sour punch that pairs beautifully with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Cranberry Murabba – Think amla murabba, but with a twist. This preserve adds a pop of colour and antioxidant goodness to your paratha platter. Cranberry Paneer Tikkis – Paneer patties dotted with cranberries for a juicy surprise with every bite—ideal for evening snacks or appetisers at house parties. 3. Celebrity Chefs Join the Movement When renowned chefs experiment, people follow. The culinary world took notice when chefs like Manish Mehrotra began showcasing cranberries in signature dishes like Cranberry Bhel Puri. 'You get tang, crunch, and colour—it's the triple threat," he said. Since then, high-end restaurants have introduced their own cranberry fusion creations, and food festivals now include cranberry tastings on their menus. 4. Social Media Buzz The #CranberryLife is all over your feed. On Instagram, influencers are making cranberry desserts and cocktails; YouTubers are showing how to meal-prep with cranberry biryani; TikTok has seen the rise of the cranberry ladder challenge (yes, that's a thing). From nutritionists to home chefs, everyone's sharing how they use cranberries to eat better and brighter. 5. Health-Conscious Millennials Embrace Cranberries Label-savvy consumers are reading past 'natural flavouring" and going straight for nutrient-dense, functional ingredients. Cranberries deliver: Vitamin C, dietary fibre, manganese, and proanthocyanidins for immune and urinary health. Urban millennials now top up their protein oats, smoothie bowls, and snack jars with dried cranberries, looking for food that works and looks good. 6. Market Growth Reflects Demand Backed by consumer behaviour and institutional support from organisations like The Cranberry Institute, the numbers paint a clear picture: The dried cranberry market in India is expected to grow at a 10–15% CAGR between 2025–2032 (Coherent Market Insights). Major brands now sell cranberry-flavoured trail mixes, sweets, biscuits, teas, and even paan. 7. Summer's Coolest Superfruit With temperatures soaring, cranberries offer a refreshing reprieve. They hydrate, nourish, and cool the body while adding a tangy kick. Some easy summer picks: Cranberry Chutney – Fresh and spicy, pairs beautifully with rotis or rice. Cranberry Lassi – Chill it, blend it, and sip your way through the afternoon. top videos View all Cranberry Salad – Mix dried cranberries with moong sprouts, pomegranate, cucumber, and a dash of chaat masala. From health to heritage, cranberries are becoming embedded in India's evolving food culture. With institutional push from organisations like The Cranberry Institute, growing imports, and rising awareness, the berry's future in India looks bold, bright and popping! The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cnn-news18 cranberries latest news lifestyle news18 Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 01, 2025, 08:37 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness India Is Obsessed with Cranberries Right Now And Here's Why


Hans India
29-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
India's Cranberry Craze: From Exotic Import to Everyday Superfruit
Bengaluru: Once regarded as a niche Western ingredient, cranberries have found a vibrant new identity in India's kitchens, wellness routines, and even social media feeds. From being an exotic health remedy tucked away on supermarket shelves to now headlining fusion biryanis, laddoos, and lassis, cranberries are swiftly becoming India's latest superfruit obsession. This growing fascination is supported by hard data. According to figures from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), India's cranberry imports have witnessed a striking rise of 52.28% over the past two financial years—climbing from 2080 metric tons in FY 2021–22 to 3166 metric tons in FY 2023–24. The surge in US-origin cranberries is even more impressive, with imports growing by 61.85% during the same period, marking the United States as a leading contributor to India's cranberry boom. Fueling this growth is a focused and strategic push by The Cranberry Institute, the body representing US cranberry growers worldwide. From trade collaborations and food festivals to influencer partnerships and chef-led innovations, the organisation has taken a dynamic approach to reposition cranberries as a daily-use, functional food ingredient rather than a once-in-a-while indulgence. 'India is a growth market for US Cranberries. We have seen tremendous demand for both dried cranberries and cranberry juice in India as more Indian consumers are discovering this amazing berry,' said Mr. Sumit Saran, In-Country Marketing Representative for The Cranberry Institute. 'Dried cranberries are not only being used as an anytime snack but also as an ingredient in various western and ethnic dishes. US cranberries are easily available both with retail dry fruit sellers and on e-commerce platforms,' he added. What began as a health-focused curiosity—primarily for urinary tract relief—has now evolved into a mainstream dietary shift. Thanks to mounting clinical evidence around their antioxidant content, gut-friendly fibre, and heart-supporting polyphenols, cranberries have emerged as a powerful dietary supplement suited to the fast-paced, health-conscious Indian lifestyle. The Indian Express rightly noted their transition from niche import to 'superfruit status.' But it isn't just the nutritional profile that's fueling their popularity. It's how seamlessly they adapt to Indian palates. The berry's sweet-tart complexity is showing up in everything from cranberry coconut laddoos to cranberry murabba. In South India, dried cranberries are being used as a creative substitute for tamarind in pulihora, adding a rich colour and a unique sour-sweet profile. In the north, they're bringing new flavour and texture to paneer tikkis. Even festive menus are giving traditional sweets a cranberry twist. The professional culinary world has taken note too. Celebrity chefs like Manish Mehrotra have been championing cranberry-based dishes such as Cranberry Bhel Puri, praising the fruit for delivering "tang, crunch, and colour" in a single bite. Across India, high-end restaurants and premium caterers are beginning to feature cranberries in creative fusion dishes, with cranberry tasting menus and limited-edition desserts making appearances at seasonal food events. Social media has played no small role in this transformation. The #CranberryLife has found its way into thousands of reels and posts across Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Influencers are showcasing everything from cranberry cocktails to meal-prepped biryanis, while nutritionists are demystifying their benefits in easy-to-understand formats. This visual, community-driven appeal is helping cranberries carve a niche in India's evolving food identity. The shift is especially pronounced among millennial and Gen Z consumers, who are actively seeking out nutrient-dense, clean-label ingredients. In urban kitchens, dried cranberries now find their place alongside chia seeds and quinoa—sprinkled into smoothie bowls, protein oats, and trail mixes. As per data from Coherent Market Insights, the dried cranberry market in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10–15% between 2025 and 2032, an indicator of the fruit's staying power beyond trend cycles. As summer temperatures soar, cranberries are also becoming a refreshing staple in Indian households. Recipes such as cranberry chutney, cranberry lassi, and cranberry-spiked salads are offering a cool, tangy reprieve while ticking all the boxes for health and taste. From nutritional value to culinary versatility and rising consumer awareness, cranberries are no longer a foreign novelty. Backed by strategic promotion from The Cranberry Institute and strong demand signals from Indian consumers, the berry has planted firm roots in the Indian foodscape. The cranberry isn't just a trend—it's a testament to how global ingredients can thrive when they speak the language of local taste and wellness.