#775 Why Oil Prices May Stay Low in 2026 & What It Means for India | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report

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Jan 17, 2026

This conversation features Atanu Mukherjee, CEO of Dastur Energy, a keen analyst on global energy trends. They explore the potential for low oil prices in 2026, driven by an oversupply crisis and a shifting OPEC landscape. Mukherjee delves into India's energy strategy, discussing the implications of importing Russian and Venezuelan oil. He emphasizes the rising demand for energy due to AI and data centers, and the need for a diversified approach that includes gas and coal alongside renewables to ensure energy security and affordability.

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INSIGHT

Discounted Oil Still Economical

Economic savings often outweigh punitive tariffs when importing discounted Russian or Venezuelan oil.
Venezuela is a potential source but production needs heavy investment, so near-term impact is limited.

INSIGHT

Oil Flows Will Reorganize Under Pressure

Continued elevated supply will force a reorganization of oil flows and likely trigger supply corrections by swing producers.
New production from Guyana, Argentina and Venezuela will complicate supply discipline.

INSIGHT

Refining Shifts Toward Conversion Mix

Refineries will integrate combustion fuels and petrochemicals to optimize margins and crude slates.
India’s heavy refinery base is well positioned to combine fuel and conversion products efficiently.

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Why Oil Prices May Stay Low In 2026 and what it means for India is a question shaping business decisions, policy debates, and household economics across the country.In this India Energy Week 2026 special episode of The Core Report, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Atanu Mukherjee, CEO Dastur Energy to break down the global energy outlook for 2026, why oil supply is likely to stay ahead of demand, and how a lower crude oil price regime could impact India. From Brent crude price expectations in the 50 to 60 dollar range to changing oil flows, this conversation explains why oil prices may remain soft and what that really means for inflation, growth, and energy security.The discussion explores how oversupply in global oil markets, OPEC’s evolving role, and limited volatility are reshaping energy markets in 2026. It also looks closely at India’s oil imports, including Russian oil and Venezuela as a longer-term option, and why India’s refining capacity and petrochemicals strategy are becoming more important as fuel demand patterns change.Beyond oil, this episode examines LNG prices, global gas supply expansion, and why natural gas remains critical for India despite price sensitivity and import dependence. You will also hear why renewables alone may not be enough, how gas and coal-based solutions could support reliable power, and why energy affordability is becoming as important as clean energy goals.A key theme in this conversation is the rising energy demand from AI, data centres, and hyperscalers. As artificial intelligence expands, India’s power infrastructure, grid integration, and energy mix will play a decisive role in determining how fast the digital economy can grow. The episode connects global energy trends with India’s economic and technological future in a clear, grounded way.If you are tracking oil prices in 2026, India’s energy strategy, LNG markets, geopolitics, or the intersection of energy and AI, this conversation offers valuable context and long-term perspective for professionals in finance, consulting, manufacturing, and policy.Understanding why oil prices may stay low in 2026 is not just about forecasting markets. It is about understanding how energy shapes India’s competitiveness, resilience, and growth in a rapidly changing world. Stay with The Core Report for deeper conversations that cut through noise and help you make sense of what comes next.#OilPrices2026 #IndiaEnergy #CrudeOil #EnergyMarkets #IndiaEnergyWeek2026 #TheCoreReport #TheCoreJoin The Core Insider to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzXJw6XkwZulY4nigdtvs4Q/joinListeners! We await your feedback: https://tinyurl.com/TCR-Listener-SurveyThe Core & The Core Report is ad supported & FREE for all readers & listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships & brand studio requirements.For more of our coverage check out thecore.in (https://www.thecore.in/)Support the Core Report (https://tinyurl.com/Support-the-Core-Report)Join & Interact anonymously on our WhatsApp channel (https://tinyurl.com/The-Core-WhatsApp-Channel) Subscribe to our Newsletter (https://www.thecore.in/newsletters/thecorenewsletter)