BL Morning Report May 13, 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 rising inflation driven by gold, silver and food prices, to the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 over alleged irregularities, and India’s cautious stance on sanctioned Russian LNG amid energy pressures, along with rising losses for state fuel retailers due to high crude costs—here are today’s key economy and policy updates from India.

April CPI hits 3.48% as metal prices soar, but remains below RBI target

Let’s start with inflation this week. Retail inflation rose for the sixth straight month to a 14-month high of 3.48% in April, driven by surging gold and silver prices and higher food inflation. Despite the rise, it remains below the RBI’s 4% target, keeping policy rates steady for now. While core inflation stayed contained, rising crude oil above $100 per barrel poses a key risk, with economists warning of further price pressure ahead.

NEET-UG 2026 cancelled after paper leak allegations, CBI probe ordered

Next up, amid allegations of a paper leak and examination irregularities, the Centre has cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 exam conducted on May 3 and announced that it will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. The Government has also referred the matter to the CBI for a comprehensive probe into the alleged breaches in the examination process.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) said the decision was taken in coordination with central agencies to ensure transparency, adding that the present exam process could not be allowed to stand. It also clarified that candidates’ registration details, centres, and fees will remain valid for the re-test, with no fresh application required.

India declines sanctioned Russian LNG cargo amid compliance concerns: report

In energy policy, India has reportedly declined Russia’s offer to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) under U.S. sanctions, despite a supply shortfall driven by Middle East tensions, according to sources. The decision has left a Russian LNG tanker in limbo as discussions continue on permitted cargoes, highlighting India’s effort to balance energy security with compliance risks linked to sanctioned shipments. The move also underscores the limits of Russia’s ability to redirect LNG exports, even as India remains open to non-sanctioned volumes.

India stocked with two months of fuel supply, but OMC losses could hit ₹1 lakh cr: Puri

In energy, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India has no supply concerns despite global disruptions, backed by about two months of fuel stockpiles and steady domestic production. However, he warned that state-run fuel retailers are facing mounting financial stress, with potential losses of up to ₹1 lakh crore in a single quarter if high crude prices persist and retail fuel prices remain unchanged. He said cumulative under-recoveries have nearly touched ₹1.98 lakh crore, even as petrol, diesel and LPG prices have stayed stable for years, and added that India is balancing strong supply security with rising fiscal pressure on oil marketing companies.

Script & VO: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy

Published on May 13, 2026