BL Morning Report May 18, 2026: Get today’s top business news, market headlines about the Stock Market, Sensex & Nifty trends, key market insights, economic highlights, and the latest updates from India and global markets.

From the Strait of Hormuz disruption and rising fuel prices in India, to Flipkart’s likely GST legal challenge and new NTA appointments amid the NEET-UG probe—here are today’s key business, energy, and governance updates.

India misses 430 kb/d of LPG imports during March–April amid supply disruption

Let’s start with the Strait of Hormuz disruption. According to the International Energy Agency, India’s LPG imports fell by more than half during March and April 2026, with supplies hit by around 430,000 barrels per day amid the West Asia conflict. The IEA also said LPG exports through the Strait dropped by nearly 80 per cent, pushing prices sharply higher.

CNG price hiked by ₹1 per kg in Delhi-NCR, second increase in two days

Next, fuel prices have risen across India. CNG in Delhi-NCR was increased by ₹1 per kg, taking the total hike to ₹3 per kg in 48 hours. Petrol and diesel were also raised by ₹3 per litre amid rising global crude oil prices linked to the West Asia conflict, which has pushed Brent crude above $100 per barrel.

Industry watches Flipkart move as West Bengal tax body says no to GST exemption on delivery charges

In corporate news, Walmart-owned Flipkart is “very likely” to move the High Court against a West Bengal Appellate Authority for Advance Ruling decision on GST on delivery charges. The ruling classified its logistics operations as organised courier or fulfilment services rather than Goods Transport Agency services, making them subject to 18 per cent GST. Analysts say the case will be closely watched across the e-commerce and logistics sector, as a High Court ruling could resolve conflicting advance rulings and clarify GST treatment for modern delivery and fulfilment models.

Centre appoints new joint secretaries and directors in NTA amid NEET-UG paper leak probe

In administrative news, the Centre has appointed two joint secretaries and two joint directors to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is under scrutiny over the NEET-UG paper leak. The appointments include officers from the Indian Statistical Service, Indian Revenue Service, and Indian Audit and Accounts Service for a five-year tenure.

Script & VO: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy

Published on May 18, 2026