Business
Oil rises as focus returns to threats on Middle East export facilities | The Express Tribune
Halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz choking off a fifth of global oil supply
A view shows oil pump jacks outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters
Oil prices rose on Monday as investor focus returned to threats facing Middle East oil facilities, despite US President Donald Trump’s call for nations to help safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy shipments.
Brent crude futures climbed $1.27, or 1.2%, to $104.41 a barrel by 0400 GMT, after settling up $2.68 on Friday. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 54 cents, or 0.6%, at $99.25 a barrel, after settling up nearly $3 in the previous session.
Read: Trump says US in contact with Iran but doubts Tehran ready for serious talks
Both contracts have surged more than 40% this month to their highest since 2022, after the US-Israeli attacks on Iran prompted Tehran to halt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, choking off a fifth of global oil supply in the biggest disruption ever.
“US strikes over the weekend on Kharg Island raised supply concerns, as most of Iran’s oil exports pass through it,” ING commodity strategists said on Monday.
While the strikes appear to have targeted military, rather than energy, infrastructure, they still pose supply risks since Iranian oil is about the only oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz for now, ING added.
Over the weekend, Trump threatened further strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of its exports, after hitting military targets there, to spur a defiant response of more retaliation from Tehran.
Read more: Iran’s Supreme Leader vows to keep Strait of Hormuz closed as Middle East war intensifies
Iranian drones hit a key oil terminal in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates shortly after the Kharg attacks. Oil loading operations at Fujairah have since resumed, four sources said, but it was unclear if they were back to normal.
Fujairah, outside the Strait of Hormuz, is the outlet for about 1 million barrels per day of the UAE’s flagship Murban crude oil – a volume equal to about 1% of world demand.
“The US is weighing high-risk ground options, including raiding nuclear sites for Iran’s enriched uranium, seizing the Kharg Island oil hub, and occupying southern Iran to protect the Strait of Hormuz,” SEB analyst Erik Meyersson said in a note.
“All of these imply significant escalation and require a tolerance for substantially higher risk.”
On Sunday, Trump said he was demanding that other countries help to protect the key energy route, adding that Washington was in talks with several nations about policing it.
The US is also in contact with Iran, Trump said, but expressed doubt that Tehran was prepared for serious talks to end the conflict.
On Sunday, the International Energy Agency said more than 400 million barrels of oil reserves will begin flowing to the market soon, a record draw aimed at combating price spikes caused by the Middle East war.
Stocks from countries in Asia and Oceania will be released immediately, while those from Europe and the Americas will be available at the end of March, the agency said.
“As the conflict enters its third week, the lack of a clear denouement has left global markets increasingly worried about an uncontrollable escalatory spiral,” SEB’s Meyersson said.
Still, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Sunday he expected an end to the war within “the next few weeks”, with oil supplies rebounding and energy costs falling afterwards.
Business
Bengaluru Real Estate: Housing Prices Soar 13% In 2025 On Strong End-User Demand
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In 2025, Bengaluru’s housing market thrives with a 13% price rise to Rs 8533 per sqft, driven by IT jobs, start-ups, economic growth, and high demand for premium homes.

In a year marked by slowdown in residential real estate activity across India, Bengaluru’s housing market showed strong momentum in 2025.
In a year marked by slowdown in residential real estate activity across India, Bengaluru’s housing market showed strong momentum in 2025. The city has displayed a robust end-use demand, primarily driven by its job creation potential owing to the large presence of domestic and global IT and start-up companies, improving infrastructure and housing affordability measured by a relatively better price to income ratio which has remained stable over the years as compared to other cities.
According to a report by property consultancy firm PropTiger, the average price of homes rose by 12% in 2024 and by 13% in 2025 to Rs 8533 per sq. ft. In fact, between Q1 and Q4 in 2025, housing prices rose by 21%.
Unlike earlier cycles that were more investor-led, today’s market is far more stable, with families prioritising long-term housing.
Despite the average housing price growth in India’s top cities declining from 17% in 2024 to 6% in 2025, Bengaluru recorded two consecutive years of double-digit growth, according to the report.
The city scores high on other parameters like the number of companies formed, skilled professionals with a high base salary, passport holders, car registrations, AQI etc. To add to this, it is the first choice for GCCs, AI companies & start-ups, resulting in increased demand for office space with Bengaluru alone accounting for nearly one third of total absorption and supply. This has created high-paying jobs that have had a positive impact on the city’s housing market.
Navin Dhanuka, director of ArisUnitern, said, “We are seeing growing traction for plotted developments and well-planned residential communities, as buyers increasingly prioritise long-term value, quality of living, and organised development. Given these fundamentals, Bengaluru is likely to remain one of the most resilient and consistently performing residential markets in the country.”
Two factors have aided the city’s housing growth. The post-pandemic pent-up demand coinciding with the return to office. According to PropEquity, prices have risen by 17% CAGR between 2022-2025 with nearly 50% of sales and launches in the premium segment in home priced between Rs 1-2 crore.
Umesh Gowda H A, chairman and founder of Sanjeevini Group, said that strong employment opportunities, particularly in the technology and startup sectors, resulted in growing demand for premium homes from professionals after the pandemic; and this trend continues to sustain.
“East Bengaluru is seeing consistent growth in demand owing to its proximity to employment hubs like Whitefield. Mid-to-premium segments are gaining traction as homebuyers upgrade their lifestyles. Going forward, we expect the momentum to continue as Bengaluru remains one of India’s most dynamic real estate markets supported by strong economic fundamentals and long-term housing demand,” Gowda said.
Bengaluru’s strong price growth highlights the city’s unmatched resilience and global appeal. As India’s AI and tech capital, Bengaluru continues to attract end-users, global investors, and a growing migrant workforce looking for quality life and long-term value.
“Backed by robust economic growth, pleasant climate, thriving IT and startup ecosystems, evolving infrastructure, and strong mid-segment housing demand from young professionals and families, the city remains a benchmark for stability and aspiration. The continued rise of brand Bengaluru makes this appreciation both natural and long-term,” said Ramji Subramaniam, managing director of Sowparnika Projects.
The city saw the highest housing supply among top cities in 2025 reflecting continued developer confidence in long-term demand with large branded developers dominating the supply.
Bhavesh Kothari, founder & CEO of Property First Realty, said, “Bengaluru’s housing market continues to demonstrate strong resilience, with price appreciation largely driven by genuine end-user demand rather than speculative buying. We are seeing professionals and long-term investors prioritising home ownership, particularly in well-connected micro-markets offering lifestyle amenities and strong future appreciation potential.”
March 16, 2026, 17:06 IST
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Business
Pakistan Stock Exchange Shares plunge by 4,000 points – SUCH TV
Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 index lost 4,687.50 points on Monday, marking a turbulent start to the week as selling pressure returned to the market.
During intraday trading, the KSE-100 touched a high of 153,943.69 points and low of 149,385.39 points.
At close, the KSE-Index dropped 4,687.50 points to reach 149,178.66 points or minus 3.14 percent.
The sharp decline comes after the index recorded its seventh consecutive week of losses, with geopolitical uncertainty and weak investor sentiment continuing to weigh on Pakistani equities.
Two key factors affecting the market last week were the absence of positive economic developments and the ongoing delay in finalising a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for Pakistan’s third review of its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF).
Another major factor has been the spike in global oil prices.
The increase was triggered by US-Israel aggression against Iran, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
The disruption raised concerns about energy supply and inflationary pressures for oil-importing economies, including Pakistan.
Investors will now be watching closely to see whether the current volatility persists through the remainder of the trading session and into the rest of the week, particularly as markets react to geopolitical developments and signals on the IMF programme.
It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan’s stock market remained under sustained pressure during the week ended March 13, 2026, as heightened geopolitical tensions, domestic security concerns, and macroeconomic uncertainty continued to weigh heavily on investor sentiment.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index extended its losing streak, declining by 3,629.92 points on a week-on-week basis, representing a drop of 2.3 percent to close at 153,866.17 points compared with the previous week’s closing level of 157,496.09 points.
The market remained volatile throughout the week as investors trimmed positions and adopted a cautious stance in the face of external and domestic headwinds.
The latest decline follows an even steeper fall witnessed during the previous week, when the market had shed more than 10,500 points.
Analysts noted that escalating geopolitical risks across the region, coupled with domestic security concerns, have dampened investor confidence and triggered persistent selling pressure across multiple sectors.
Business
Gold price today (March 16, 2026): How much 18K, 22K and 24K gold cost in your city; check rates for Delhi, Mumbai & more – The Times of India
Gold started the week on a shaky note, slipping Rs 2,225 to hit Rs 1.56 lakh per 10 grams in Monday’s futures trade, dragged down by a firm US dollar and weak overseas markets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange, April gold contracts fell 1.4% to Rs 1,56,241 on a turnover of 7,881 lots. “Rising energy prices have strengthened the US dollar and raised doubts that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates,” said Manav Modi, analyst at Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. Earlier hopes of a March rate cut have mostly faded, with the chances of reductions later this year now at 80%.Internationally, April gold on Comex dropped $54.31, or 1.07%, to $5,007.39 per ounce. “Gold stayed close to $5,000 after two weeks of losses, as oil volatility surged following the US strike on Iran’s Kharg Island, raising supply concerns,” said Jigar Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst, IndusInd Securities.The ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran, now entering its third week, continues to rattle markets. Trivedi noted that higher energy costs and inflation worries have dampened expectations for interest rate cuts, creating a headwind for non-yielding assets like gold.Here’s how much gold costs in your city today:
Gold price in Ahmedabad today
Gold in Ahmedabad is trading at Rs 15,920 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,595 for 22K, and Rs 11,943 for 18K.
Gold price in Bangalore today
In Bangalore, 24K gold is available at Rs 15,917 per gram. The 22K variety costs Rs 14,590, while 18K gold is priced at Rs 11,938 per gram.
Gold price in Bhubaneswar today
Bhubaneswar sees 24K gold at Rs 15,917 per gram. Prices for 22K and 18K gold stand at Rs 14,590 and Rs 11,938 per gram, respectively.
Gold price in Chennai today
In Chennai, 24K gold is quoted at Rs 16,101 per gram. 22K gold comes in at Rs 14,759, and 18K gold is Rs 12,399 per gram.
Gold price in Delhi today
Gold prices in Delhi are Rs 15,930 per gram for 24K, Rs 14,605 for 22K, and Rs 11,953 for 18K.
Gold price in Hyderabad today
Hyderabad’s 24K gold is trading at Rs 15,917 per gram. 22K and 18K gold are priced at Rs 14,590 and Rs 11,938, respectively.
Gold price in Jaipur today
In Jaipur, 24K gold costs Rs 15,930 per gram. The 22K variant is Rs 14,605, while 18K gold is available at Rs 11,953 per gram.
Gold price in Kanpur today
Kanpur reports 24K gold at Rs 15,930 per gram. 22K and 18K varieties are priced at Rs 14,605 and Rs 11,953 per gram, respectively.
Gold price in Mumbai today
In Mumbai, 24K gold is Rs 15,917 per gram, 22K is Rs 14,590, and 18K is Rs 11,938 per gram.
Gold price in Kolkata today
Kolkata has 24K gold at Rs 15,917 per gram. The 22K and 18K gold rates are Rs 14,590 and Rs 11,938 per gram, respectively.
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