Stock markets tumble in early trade amid escalating tensions in West Asia, higher oil prices
Indian stock markets experienced a sharp decline as escalating tensions in West Asia drove crude oil prices toward $100 per barrel. Investors are concerned that sustained high oil prices will increase inflation and negatively impact corporate margins.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs and geopolitical instability pose a direct threat to India's economic growth and monetary policy stability.
Market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tumbled in early trade on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) as escalating tensions in West Asia pushed crude oil to near USD 100-per-barrel mark.
Selling in IT stocks and fresh foreign fund outflows also dented investors' sentiment. The 30-share BSE Sensex tanked 500.25 points to 75,060.61 in early trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty declined 129.40 points to 23,506.10.
Among the 30 Sensex firms, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Hindustan Unilever were the major laggards.
NTPC, Larsen & Toubro, Power Grid and Adani Ports were among the winners. "Brent crude is trading near $99.60-a-barrel after the U.S.-Iran conflict widened and Iran-backed Houthi attacks disrupted Saudi energy infrastructure.
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