From skyrocketing airfares and LPG policy shifts to political pressure on President Trump and new public shareholding norms — here are today’s top business and economic developments you need to know.
Airfares to US, Europe surge as West Asia crisis cuts capacity
Airfares from major Indian cities to Europe and the US have surged sharply after the West Asia crisis, with Gulf carriers suspending operations. Economy fares have doubled or tripled, with tickets now costing ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.45 lakh, where earlier they were around ₹75,000–₹86,000.
Limited options and full flights are forcing travelers to pay steeply higher prices. Connectivity through Asian hubs is restricted, and securing seats has become extremely difficult, with some paying ₹5–6 lakh for a one-way ticket.
By T E Raja Simhan
India bars PNG users from keeping or refilling LPG cylinders
The government has barred PNG consumers from keeping domestic LPG connections or getting cylinder refills. PSU oil firms cannot supply LPG to PNG users. The move aims to prioritise LPG amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions, with households, hospitals, and schools given preference. India imports around 90% of its LPG from West Asia.
By BL New Delhi Bureau
Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels
Since US and Israeli strikes on Iran, President Trump faces mounting political pressure as casualties, rising oil prices, and market turmoil fuel public concern. He seeks international help to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while easing Russian sanctions has drawn criticism and aided Moscow. The conflict is straining Trump’s support and could impact the GOP in the midterms, dividing his MAGA base and giving Democrats an opening to highlight rising costs.
By AP- PTI
Finance Ministry restructured norms for minimum public shareholdings
The Finance Ministry has revised norms for public shareholding in listed companies, expanding post-issue capital categories from three to six. The move aims to balance market liquidity with the realities of large capital raises, particularly for mega-cap companies. The minimum 25% public shareholding must now be achieved over three to ten years, with reduced minimum equity/debenture offers from 5% to 2.5%. Stock exchanges may impose fines for non-compliance. Experts say the reforms make Indian markets more attractive for large issuers while protecting investor participation and minority shareholders.
By Shishir Sinha
Script & VO: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy
Published on March 16, 2026