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Reliance Shares Plummet Amidst Retail Woes & US Oil Scrutiny
9 Jan
Summary
- Reliance shares have fallen over 6% this year, losing $15 billion in market value.
- Weak retail outlooks and tougher US rhetoric on India's Russian oil purchases impact shares.
- Analysts expect slower retail growth but stronger energy business offsetting losses.
Reliance Industries Ltd. has faced a significant downturn at the start of 2026, with its stock price dropping more than 6% and erasing approximately $15 billion from its market capitalization. This sharp decline, one of the company's worst annual starts in recent memory, has also impacted India's main equity indices.
The pressure intensified following reports from major Indian retailers indicating weaker-than-expected consumer demand. Compounding these domestic concerns, tougher US statements concerning countries purchasing Russian oil have further unsettled investors. Reliance, which benefited from discounted Russian crude in recent quarters, is now navigating increased geopolitical scrutiny.
Analysts anticipate that while Reliance's retail segment may report slower growth for the December quarter due to reduced discretionary spending, its energy business is expected to show robust expansion. The company is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings on January 16th, with the market looking for guidance to stem the current stock slide.
