Mumbai: Shares of oil exploration companies rallied in a weak market on Thursday as renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran raised concerns of supply disruptions, pushing crude prices higher. Oil India surged 5.2%, while ONGC gained 3.6%, tracking the uptick in Brent crude prices. Among oil marketing companies, HPCL dropped nearly 5%, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) fell 3.4%.

Brent crude futures rose over 1% to $71.11 per barrel.

“Elevated brent crude prices are supportive for upstream players such as ONGC and Oil India, as higher realisations strengthen margins and cash flows,” said Ankit Garg, head of Equity Investments, Wealthy Nivesh PMS.

For oil marketing companies, an increase in crude prices leads to margin pressure because input costs move up immediately. And if these companies are unable to pass on the costs entirely, it impacts their profitability.
The pressure on oil prices stemmed from developments involving Iran, where joint naval drills with Russia in the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean heightened supply concerns.

Iran temporarily shut parts of the Strait of Hormuz as a security precaution during military exercises. Given that the route is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, any disruption tends to amplify volatility in crude markets.
Impact on operating performance will be a function of the duration for which crude oil prices stay elevated, said Sunny Agrawal, head of Fundamental Research at SBI Securities. “We believe, in the longer run, crude oil prices may remain subdued, as demand is muted and, hence, any spike in stock prices of oil exploration companies should be seen as an opportunity to trim the weights in the portfolio,” he said. Analysts said charts are pointing to a 5% upmove in Oil India and a near 10% gain in ONGC from Thursday’s closing.

“Oil India has managed to hold its 50 DEMA (Double Exponential Moving Average) with a surge in trading volumes, which suggests more upside from the current level towards the ₹500 zones with immediate support at ₹460 levels,” said Chandan Taparia, head of derivatives and technical research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services

In the case of ONGC, the stock could move to ₹290-300. “The stock has been finding sustained buying interest near ₹262-265 zones in the last 10 sessions and a small follow-up could lead to the next leg of rally,” said Taparia.

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Beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper is significantly expanding its portfolio this year, unveiling more than 35 new drinks across its soda, tea, water, juice and energy brands.

The Burlington, Massachusetts- and Frisco, Texas-based company announced Wednesday that the lineup will feature flavors such as Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, A&W Root Beer Float, 7UP Shirley Temple and Canada Dry Fruit Splash Strawberry, among others.

“Consumers want beverages that fit every need throughout their day,” Katie Webb, vice president of innovation at Keurig Dr Pepper, said in a statement.

Several of the launches will be limited-time offerings. 

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Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut returns in April, followed by A&W Root Beer Float in July. 

7UP Shirley Temple is slated for a nationwide rollout during the holiday season.

Snapple will introduce a limited-time raspberry tea and lemonade blend this summer in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The brand is also refreshing its packaging and logo beginning in March.

Canada Dry is expanding its Fruit Splash line with a new strawberry flavor set for a nationwide launch in February.

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Keurig Dr Pepper said citrus flavors continue to resonate with younger consumers, driving launches such as Bai Barù Blood Orange and Kroger-exclusive 7UP Endless Summer Mandarin Orange.

The company also said zero-sugar sodas are generating six times more dollar growth than regular varieties, and all 2026 carbonated soft drink innovations will be offered in both regular and zero-sugar options. 

Mott’s will debut its first zero-sugar juice drink line in March.

In the energy category, brands including GHOST, C4, Bloom and Black Rifle are also expanding flavor offerings.

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According to Keurig Dr Pepper’s State of Beverages 2025 Trend Report, 44% of Americans – and 72% of Gen Z consumers – try new beverages each month.

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“Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut was inspired by viral social media trends and its comeback is powered by pure consumer love – when fans rally this hard for a flavor, we listen,” Webb added.

These productions have been sticking to romance or family drama to keep costs down as they need fewer visual effects. But now AI can “elevate low-budget productions into more ambitious genres such as sci-fi, period drama and, now, action”, Kwok says.