Top Business & Market Headlines Today — BL Morning Report, June 22, 2026

Coal Gasification guidelines to be finalised in two months Coal gasification guidelines will be finalised within two months, according to Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy. The Centre’s incentive scheme is expected to unlock fresh investments in projects aimed at reducing India’s reliance on imported fuels and chemicals. The programme has a total outlay of ₹46,000 crore. It targets gasification of 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030, boosting energy security and cutting imports of key products such as LNG, urea, ammonia, and methanol. India Boosts Oil Imports from Russia and UAE in June India significantly increased crude imports from Russia and the UAE in June, as refiners moved to secure supplies ahead of full normalisation of flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Russian imports rose to 2.66 million barrels per day so far in June, up from 1.91 million in May, maintaining its position as India’s top supplier. UAE supplies remained near record highs, while Venezuela emerged as the fourth-largest supplier. Imports from the United States, however, saw a sharp decline. Ahead of IPO, Zepto cuts customer acquisition costs Quick commerce firm Zepto has sharply reduced customer acquisition costs ahead of its planned IPO, boosting its path to profitability. Its draft prospectus shows digital marketing costs per order dropping from ₹33.75 in FY25 to ₹4.31 in FY26, and further to ₹1.01 in the March 2026 quarter. The company attributes this to repeat customers and its Everyday Low Prices strategy, reducing reliance on heavy promotional spending and improving overall unit economics. UK PM Starmer may resign amid leadership speculation UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could step down as early as Monday, according to media reports. However, government sources have dismissed the claim, stating that he remains focused on governing. The speculation follows mounting political pressure in recent months, which intensified after Labour rival Andy Burnham’s recent electoral gain, potentially setting the stage for a leadership challenge. (Research and VO: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)