Watch | Higher crude supports upstream oil stocks, downstream outlook weak: Probal Sen

ICICI Securities energy analyst Probal Sen said crude prices around $75 per barrel are unlikely to trigger windfall taxes, supporting upstream companies such as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Oil India. However, he expects near-term pressure on downstream and gas companies as rising liquified natural gas (LNG)-linked input costs could impact margins. Sen remains cautious on the sector over the next three to six months but maintains a constructive long-term view on Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and city gas distributors.