JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

 

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Thursday  April 23,  2026

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	93.79	0.290001	0.310161	93.70	93.50
EUR/USD	1.1705	-0.0039	-0.332079	1.1744	1.1744
GBP/INR	126.824	0.585701	0.463965	126.5883	126.2383
EUR/INR	110.193	0.250504	0.22785	110.0059	109.9425
USD/JPY	159.485	0.115005	0.072163	159.37	159.37
GBP/USD	1.3497	-0.0011	-0.081438	1.3508	1.3508
JPY/INR	0.5886	0.0012	0.204283	0.5867	0.5874

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

100 Ships Queue at Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port as Gulf Conflict Disrupts Strait of Hormuz Shipping

Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port has witnessed an unprecedented surge in vessel traffic, with around 100 ships reportedly queuing for berthing as escalating Gulf tensions disrupt normal shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

The congestion highlights the growing strategic importance of Vizhinjam as an alternative transshipment hub amid regional instability. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy and cargo trade, has faced operational disruptions due to the ongoing Gulf conflict, forcing several shipping lines to reroute or delay schedules.

As a result, ports outside the immediate conflict zone, including Vizhinjam, are seeing a sharp increase in vessel calls and cargo handling demand.

Industry observers note that Vizhinjam’s deep draft capabilities and location near major east-west shipping lanes make it well positioned to absorb diverted traffic. However, sustained congestion could also test the port’s operational capacity and hinterland logistics connectivity.

The development underscores how geopolitical tensions in West Asia can rapidly reshape maritime trade flows, creating both opportunities and logistical challenges for regional ports like Vizhinjam. 

Indian Onion Exports Hit by Twin Challenges of Weather Disruptions and War Risks

India’s onion exports are facing mounting pressure from a combination of adverse weather conditions and escalating geopolitical tensions, creating fresh uncertainty for one of the country’s key agricultural export segments.

Erratic weather in major onion-producing regions has affected crop quality and yields, tightening domestic supplies and pushing up local prices. Exporters said unseasonal rains and temperature fluctuations have disrupted harvesting and storage, reducing the volume of marketable produce available for overseas shipments.

At the same time, ongoing conflicts and security risks in key maritime corridors have raised freight costs, delayed shipments, and complicated deliveries to major importing markets in the Middle East and other regions. Traders said the disruptions have increased insurance premiums and extended transit time, affecting competitiveness.

India is among the world’s largest onion producers and exporters, with demand coming from markets across Asia, the Gulf and Africa. However, exporters warned that the combined impact of weather related supply stress and war linked logistics disruptions could weight on shipment volumes in the coming months.

Industry participants said stable domestic supplies, improved storage infrastructure and easing geopolitical tensions would be critical to restoring momentum in onion exports.

Government Authorises 15 Banks to Import Gold and Silver Until March 2029

The government has authorised 15 banks to import gold and silver until March 2029, a move aimed at ensuring steady supply of precious metals for domestic demand and industrial requirements, according to official sources.

The extended approval window is expected to provide greater stability to import operations and improve planning certainty for banks engaged in bullion trade. The measure also supports jewellery manufacturers, exporters, and bullion traders who depend on consistent availability of imported precious metals.

Banks permitted under the arrangement will facilitate imports in line with existing trade and regulatory guidelines, helping streamline the flow of gold and silver into India’s domestic market. 

Industry participants said the decision could help reduce supply bottlenecks during periods of high demand, particularly during festive and wedding seasons.

India remains one of the world’s largest consumers of gold, with demand driven by jewellery purchases, investment demand and cultural factors. Silver imports are also rising supported by industrial use and growing investment interest.

Market experts said the long term approval framework could improve operational efficiency in bullion imports while ensuring better price stability and supply management across the value chain.

Russia-Linked Tanker Departs French Port After Settling Fine

A Russia-linked tanker has departed a French port after paying a financial penalty imposed by local authorities, bringing an end to a detention that had drawn attention amid heightened scrutiny of maritime trade connected to sanctioned entities.

The vessel had reportedly been held over regulatory or compliance-related issues, with authorities requiring payment of a fine before clearance was granted. Following settlement of the penalty, the tanker was allowed to resume its voyage.

The case highlights the continued vigilance of European ports and regulators in monitoring ships with links to Russia, particularly since the introduction of sanctions and tighter enforcement measures affecting energy exports and maritime operations.

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

India permits blending of ethanol, synthetic fuels in jet fuel; no immediate targets set

The major change in the notification is that the legal definition of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which was previously defined strictly by the IS 1571 specification (traditional fossil-based jet fuel), has now been expanded.

After allowing the blending of ethanol in petrol, the petroleum ministry on Wednesday permitted the blending of ethanol and other synthetic or man-made hydrocarbons in aviation turbine fuel (ATF).  However, according to the government notification, the government has not set any immediate mandatory blending targets. Currently, there is 20% ethanol blended in petrol in the country.

The major change in the notification is that the legal definition of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which was previously defined strictly by the IS 1571 specification (traditional fossil-based jet fuel), has now been expanded. As per the new definition, it includes blends with "synthesised hydrocarbons as specified in IS 17081." It means the government is providing the legal infrastructure for oil marketing companies (OMCs) to sell and distribute SAF blends.

The move aligns with India’s CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) commitments. India is targeting to blend 1 per cent SAF into jet fuel for international flights by 2027, rising to 2 per cent by 2028 and 5 per cent by 2030, in line with the CORSIA mandate.

According to CORSIA, it is a global scheme requiring airlines to offset CO2 emissions from international flights exceeding 2020 levels. While voluntary from 2021 to 2026, it becomes mandatory for most states from 2027 to 2035, aiming for carbon-neutral growth.

The order replaces references to the outdated Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Specifically, authorities will now exercise search and seizure powers under Section 103 of the BNSS to prevent black-marketing or hoarding of jet fuel.

ATF is primarily produced by refining crude oil. Globally, countries such as the UK and Japan are increasingly mandating the blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is produced by converting renewable feedstocks such as waste oils and fats, sugar and cereals, municipal solid waste, wood and agricultural residues, or CO2 into ATF to cut emissions.

Lufthansa to cut 20,000 short-haul flights amid surge in jet fuel prices

The airline said the reductions—equivalent to roughly 120 flights per day—will have only a marginal impact on overall capacity, trimming available seat kilometres by less than one percent.

Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier and largest airline, has announced plans to cancel around 20,000 short-haul flights between May and October as part of efforts to cut fuel consumption amid soaring jet fuel prices.

The airline said the reductions—equivalent to roughly 120 flights per day—will have only a marginal impact on overall capacity, trimming available seat kilometres by less than one percent. The cuts will primarily affect underperforming routes at its key hubs in Frankfurt and Munich during the summer travel season, which typically runs through mid-October.

At the same time, Lufthansa plans to rebalance its network by selectively increasing services from other hubs, including Zurich, Vienna, and Brussels.

In a statement, the airline noted that the cancelled flights would save approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel. Prices for aviation fuel have surged sharply, reportedly doubling since the escalation of tensions linked to the Iran conflict.

Short-term schedule adjustments have already been implemented through May 31, while further changes for the June–October period are expected to be finalized and published later in April.

The restructuring is part of a broader consolidation strategy across the Lufthansa Group’s six major European hubs—Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome—and involves closer coordination among its subsidiary carriers, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and ITA Airways.

As part of the network changes, Lufthansa has temporarily suspended certain routes, including flights from Frankfurt to Bydgoszcz and Rzeszow in Poland, as well as Stavanger in Norway. Additional connections are being rerouted through other group hubs.

Despite the cuts, Lufthansa said it expects a largely stable fuel supply for the summer schedule and is taking steps to manage costs, including direct fuel procurement and price hedging.

The airline’s decision comes amid a broader industry response to surging oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Supply disruptions, particularly around key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel, significantly increasing operating costs for airlines worldwide.

Fuel typically accounts for up to one-third of an airline’s expenses, leaving carriers highly exposed to price volatility. As a result, many airlines have responded by cutting capacity or raising fares.

The situation has also prompted concern among policymakers. Following a warning from the International Energy Agency that Europe may have less than six weeks of jet fuel reserves, transport ministers across the region have begun discussions on contingency measures to avoid potential shortages.

Air China resumes direct flights between Beijing, Delhi

The Beijing-Delhi flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays every week using Airbus A330-200/300 aircraft.

Air China has announced that it had restored operations between Beijing and Delhi since Tuesday.

Through a Facebook post, Air China announced that it has resumed non-stop flights connecting Beijing and Delhi on Tuesday. The Beijing-Delhi flights will operate on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays every week using Airbus A330-200/300 aircraft.

The post said, “2026 marks the 20th year that Air China has operated in India! Air China's Delhi Beijing route will officially resume on April 21, with three flights per week operated by Airbus A330-200/300.“

It also specified this flight schedule. The plane will depart from Beijing at 3.15 pm  (local time) and arrive at Delhi at 8.20 pm. It will depart from Delhi at 10.50 pm and  reach Beijing the next morning at 7.40 am  (local time). “Limited discounts are coming soon,” it added.

Since April 18, China Eastern Airlines has resumed direct flights between Kunning and Kolkata, six days a week. It plans to operate between Mumbai and Shanghai next, it stated in an official release.

“The Kunming–Kolkata route holds strategic significance for China Eastern Airlines, facilitating increased trade movement, tourism flows, and cultural exchange between the two countries. Passengers flying via Kunming benefit from seamless connections within China to major hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Yiwu, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Xi'an and more,” the release said.

Airlines from India have already resumed operations to China.

IndiGo had launched daily direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai on March 29 this year. Air India resumed non-stop flights between Delhi and Shanghai (PVG) on February 1, 2026, marking a return to mainland China after a nearly six-year suspension in operations. The service operates four times weekly using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner and is aimed at strengthening trade and tourism ties.

IndiGo also resumed its operations between Delhi and Guangzhou from November 10 last year.

However, airlines remain tightlipped about the patronage along these routes. Despite multiple requests to them, they declined to divulge this aspect.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the above news letter.                                                    

Robert Sands

Joint Managing Director

Jupiter Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd

Casa Blanca, 3rd Floor

11, Casa Major Road, Egmore

Chennai – 600 008. India.

GST Number : 33AAACJ2686E1ZS.

Tel : + 91 44 2819 0171 / 3734 / 4041

Fax : + 91 44 2819 0735

Mobile : + 91 98407 85202

E-mail : robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in

Website : www.jupiterseaair.com 1Branches  : Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.

Associate Offices : New Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin & Hyderabad.

 

Thanks  to  :  Container  News,  Indian Seatrade, Cargo Forwarder Global  &  Air Cargo News.