Global oil prices surged past $120 on Thursday, briefly touching $122, the highest level since 2022 as fears of prolonged supply disruptions intensified amid a deadlock in talks to end the US conflict with Iran.Brent crude for June delivery rose around 1.9% to near $120 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) edged up to about $107. The rally builds on strong gains from the previous session, when Brent jumped nearly 6% and WTI surged 7%, extending a streak of rising prices over several days.The spike comes after US President Donald Trump directed officials to prepare for a prolonged blockade of Iran, tightening pressure on global energy supplies.Speaking to Axios, Trump signaled that the US naval blockade would remain in place until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal. “The blockade is somewhat more effective than the bombing. They are choking like a stuffed pig. And it is going to be worse for them. They can’t have a nuclear weapon,” he said.Trump also rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before negotiations begin, insisting that Tehran must first address US concerns. While describing the blockade as his primary strategy, he indicated that military options remain available, though he did not provide details.
Hormuz disruption fuels global energy shock
Tensions have effectively choked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor that typically carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supply, since US and Israeli air strikes on Iran began on February 28.Iran has largely restricted shipping through the strait, allowing only its own vessels. In response, the US has stepped up its blockade of Iranian ships this month.The disruption has triggered one of the most severe global energy shocks in recent years. Despite some vessels reportedly crossing blockade lines, the overall flow remains heavily constrained, keeping markets on edge.Earlier on Wednesday, Trump held discussions with major oil companies on how to manage the impact of a potential months-long blockade of Iran’s ports, a White House official said.The meeting came amid a continuing deadlock in efforts to resolve the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and triggered what analysts describe as one of the largest disruptions to global energy supplies.On the supply front, the OPEC+ alliance is expected to consider a modest increase of around 188,000 barrels per day in output quotas at its upcoming meeting on Sunday, according to Reuters sources.However, the recent exit of the United Arab Emirates from OPEC, effective May 1, has raised fresh questions about the group’s ability to manage prices.Trump however, welcomed the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the OPEC and OPEC+ alliance, saying the move could help bring down global oil and gas prices.Oil prices have seen sharp swings since the conflict began, driven largely by uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz. While prices briefly dipped to around $90 a barrel in April following temporary de-escalation signals, they have since climbed steadily over the past 12 days as the blockade continued.
Dr Mohammad Fatahli also said Indians are safe in Iran as he held the United States responsible for the violence against Tehran
Iran’s Ambassador to India Dr. Mohammad Fathali. (x)
Chabahar Project Iran’s Ambassador to India Dr. Mohammad Fathali, in an exclusive interview to CNN-News18, termed the media reports as speculation and said that it has never stopped and is continuously moving forward despite the sanctions. Noting that Tehran is open to negotiations with the United States, Fatahli stressed that no official details of any new proposals have been released. He underlined that Iran wants “durable and lasting peace” rather than a cycle of war and ceasefire, stressing that Tehran’s non-negotiable red lines include the right to peaceful nuclear energy under the NPT and the removal of “unjust” sanctions.
rejecting claims by US President Donald Trump That Iran is close to “collapse”, the envoy said such statements are unrealistic, and added that Iran is prepared for a prolonged standoff. He also confirmed the good health of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, calling the rumors propaganda aimed at weakening public morale.
Your government has recently presented a new proposal to America which is delaying the nuclear talks. Can you outline its key terms and explain why Iran believes this could break the current impasse? How long will the ceasefire last?
No official details of this proposal have been released yet. Whatever has come in the media is mere speculation. We believe that ending the war and establishing a lasting peace can create the conditions necessary to resolve other issues. We do not want to get trapped in the vicious cycle of war, ceasefire, talks and then war again. We have always said that we are ready for both war and peace, and we welcome any negotiations aimed at achieving durable and lasting peace.
What are Iran’s non-negotiable conditions for any revived nuclear deal with the US, and will immediate removal of sanctions be a condition?
What is non-negotiable for us is the legitimate right of the Iranian people to benefit from peaceful nuclear energy. We are members of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and we have so far acted within the framework of international rules. Naturally, the removal of all unjust sanctions imposed on the Iranian people is one of our most important preconditions for any negotiations.
Over the past 47 years, the United States and its allies have exerted extensive pressure on the Iranian people through the most harsh and inhumane sanctions. Freezing billions of dollars of Iranian assets, medical sanctions that threaten the lives of millions of our citizens, blocking purchases of new aircraft, and even restrictions on the import of aircraft parts are all part of these unjust policies aimed at pressuring the Iranian people.
Even now, by deploying military ships in the region and deploying the most advanced military equipment, they want to confront our people just because Iran wants to remain an independent country and maintain its national dignity.
Amid rising US-Iran tensions, will Iran guarantee safe passage for Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, especially for critical oil imports, or are there any conditions attached?
The Islamic Republic of Iran has stressed that it is committed to ensuring maritime security in accordance with international rules. We have said that ships from countries that have not participated in the US-Israeli aggression against Iran can continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
In this regard, our friendly countries including India do not face any restrictions in transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Till now many Indian ships have passed through this route with complete safety and this trend will continue in future also.
Naturally, for better management of the situation, certain rules for passing through the strait have been established, and all ships are required to comply with them. However, Iran has demonstrated utmost cooperation and flexibility towards Indian ships and ships of other non-participating countries.
Since India invests heavily Chabahar PortHow is Iran ensuring its development amid sanctions, and what benefits will this bring for bilateral trade, especially access to Afghanistan and Central Asia?
We believe that economic and development cooperation, especially major regional projects like Chabahar, should not be affected by a unilateral approach and illegal sanctions. Chabahar Port is a strategic project of regional and international importance, playing a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity, especially for its access to India and Central Asia.
We continue to seriously pursue the development of the port and believe that the benefits of this cooperation are not limited only to Iran and India; All countries in the region can benefit from this.
Despite the restrictions, the project has never stopped and is continuously moving forward. The Chabahar-Zahedan Railway, a vital link for the port’s transit capacity, has now reached 90 percent physical progress. Rail laying work in the Chabahar section is expected to be completed by mid-June this year, connecting the port to Iran’s national railway network.
Additionally, improvements to public services, including the construction of a hospital and development of hotels, are expected to be completed by August or September 2026, providing the necessary infrastructure to transform the area into a sustainable economic and social hub.
There are around 10,000 Indians living in Iran, including the Sikh community who practice freely in the Tehran Gurdwara. What measures is your government taking to ensure their security and religious freedom amid regional tensions?
From our point of view, there is no difference between Indian citizens and Iranian citizens in Iran. We are making every possible effort to ensure their safety. The security of both Indians and Iranians is threatened by the aggressive acts of the United States and the Zionist regime. The bitter reality is that our enemies do not believe in any religion or faith; During this act of aggression, he also attacked a Jewish synagogue in Tehran, which shows his anti-religious and terrorist nature.
The Islamic Republic of Iran is the most open country in the region to followers of different religions. Based on our Constitution and moral values, we guarantee the security and freedom of all religious communities. The community of about 10,000 Indian nationals, including Sikhs, is a respected part of our society, and for decades they have been freely practicing their religion and holding their ceremonies without any restrictions in their religious centres, including the Gurdwara in Tehran.
In Iran, followers of all divine religions and different religions freely practice their rituals and face no problems in doing so. However, what now threatens religious freedom and human life throughout the region are the criminal actions of the United States and the Zionist regime.
President Trump has claimed that Iran’s oil reserves have been exhausted within weeks due to the US blockade and are in “collapse”. What impact is this having on global oil supplies, especially India, and what is Iran’s contingency plan?
Experience has shown that references to “a few days” or “a few weeks” in the US President’s rhetoric are unrealistic. At the beginning of this act of aggression, he claimed that the Islamic Republic of Iran would accept defeat within three days and regime change would occur. However, as we have seen, not only did regime change not occur, but this war has made our country more resilient and united.
Such claims should not be taken seriously. Furthermore, we have prepared ourselves for a prolonged upheaval and have taken necessary measures for all possible scenarios going forward.
Pakistan has offered to mediate between Iran and America. Does Tehran trust Islamabad’s neutrality given its close ties with Washington, or do you see this as more posturing than genuine diplomacy? Israel has not been included in the so-called Islamabad talks. How does Iran expect these discussions to succeed without addressing Tel Aviv’s role in regional tensions?
We welcome any initiative that helps reduce tension and leads to peace. It does not matter which country hosts the talks; What matters is that we will negotiate based on our national interests and to secure the legitimate rights of the Iranian people.
Regarding the second part of your question, I should say that our negotiating party is the US government. We do not recognize any regime called Israel for negotiations. Islamabad talks also took place between Iran and America. We believe that the Zionist regime is a false regime built on occupation and aggression. Its 70-year record is full of genocide and killing of civilians.
Rumors are flying about the safety and health of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Can you confirm his well-being and explain why this speculation persists amid Iran’s internal challenges?
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran is in full health and is managing the situation closely. The rumors running in the media about his health have been spread by our enemies with the aim of weakening the morale of our people. However, our people are very aware and cautious and they do not fall for such rumours.
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first published:
April 30, 2026, 09:26 IST
newsIndia Chabahar project on track despite sanctions, Iran envoy says, assures security in Hormuz exclusive
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Top stock market recommendations: Lodha Developers, Premier Energies, and HDFC Asset Management Company have been picked by Aakash K Hindocha, Deputy Vice President – WM Research, Nuvama Professional Clients Group as the top stocks to buy on April 30, 2026. He shares his target levels and also outlook for indices Nifty and Bank Nifty.Index View: NiftyIndex appeared strong in the first half of new series day, however half of its intraday gains were trimmed by closing as oil spiked and profit taking emerged ahead of multiple events of exit poll and FOMC outcome. A range between 23750 and 24300 has now been developed and any close on either side would allow commencement of a sharper trend.Bank NiftyBank Nifty closed below its support of 55700 along with giving a bearish head and shoulder breakdown on hourly charts. This has opened further downside towards 54900/54500 while negation on this down move is seen above 56000.Lodha Developers (BUY):
LCP: Rs 912
Stop Loss: Rs 872
Target: Rs 1046
Stock has hit 8 week high while Real Estate index experiencing short covering all through April and has been one of the best performers in sectoral bets this month. Buying on LODHA has emerged from an attractive support band of 650 – 750 reinforcing that the zone being a retest for further leg upside.Given the bullish flag formation set up clubbed with ongoing momentum, the ongoing long side is set to unfold further for targets nearing 1050 odd.Premier Energies (BUY):
LCP: Rs 1039
Stop Loss: Rs 955
Target: Rs 1160
Stock has given a 15-month trendline after a stellar rally over the past 2 months. Having reclaimed above its 200 DMA and holding above the same, limits the near-term downside on this name despite the run up. Expect another 10%-12% upside given the set up on charts.HDFC Asset Management Company (BUY):
LCP: Rs 2787
Stop Loss: Rs 2645
Target: Rs 3000
A six-month trendline breakout supported by a rising trendline holding steady for the past 3 years which helped a reversal earlier this month. Adding to this a reclamation of 200 DMA adds to the recovery phase on the stock helping to end the ongoing consolidation. Target open for new all-time highs.(Disclaimer: The recommendations and views on the stock market, stocks shared above or any tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)
The temperature in the northern part of the country is crossing 40 degrees Celsius. Amidst the ongoing heatwave conditions, a standard ceiling fan does nothing more than circulate hot air. If you have a large living room or open-plan hall and you want to cool it without the electricity bills of an AC, a desert cooler is your best friend. Unlike window coolers and personal coolers, desert coolers are heavy-duty machines designed for high amounts of airflow, making them ideal for large spaces and dry climates.
Desert coolers come with inverter support. (Amazon)
Shweta Ganju is the Chief Content Creator at HT Tech. He has over 10 years of experience covering technology, during which he has focused on consumer tech devices, AI, social media, gadgets and tech policy, providing authoritative and reader-centric insights into India’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
He began his career in early 2010, and has built a strong foundation in digital-first reporting as India’s tech landscape rapidly expanded. Over the years, he has worked with leading media organizations including India Today Tech, Indian Express Group and Techlusive, where he has played a key role in driving editorial content and audience engagement. At HT Tech, she drives product recommendation coverage, combining newsroom leadership with practical reporting experience.
His expertise spans smartphones, wearables, smart home devices, AI and social media ecosystems, as well as regulatory developments shaping the tech industry. Shweta is known for her analytical approach to product reviews and news coverage, based on practical testing and real-world usefulness. He has conducted industry interviews, tracked emerging technology trends and produced research-backed stories using verified sources and expert input. She has a Master’s degree in Mass Communication, which complements her professional experience in digital journalism and content strategy, and aligns with her academic background in technology. Shweta follows a reader-first editorial philosophy, prioritizing accuracy, transparency and fact-checked reporting to deliver credible, insightful and practical insights.
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That said, getting a desert cooler is not as easy as getting one with good capacity. Air delivery and inverter compatibility are factors that you need to keep in mind while purchasing a desert cooler. Before we recommend you the best desert coolers that you can buy for your home, let us tell you about the factors that you need to consider when zeroing in on a specific model.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Desert Cooler
Room size and coverage: Desert coolers are ideal for larger spaces. Therefore, consider desert coolers only if you have a large hall or semi-open space of around 300,600 square feet.
Airflow(CFM): CFM is the amount of air that a cooler can push into a room within one minute. It is the primary indicator of cooling efficiency. Simply put, the greater the airflow, the better the cooling. Look for machines with airflow over 2000 CFM.
tank capacity: Desert coolers usually have large tanks ranging from 50 to 100 litres. The large tank ensures uninterrupted cooling throughout the night without the need for frequent refills.
Cooling Pad Type: Currently, two types of cooling pads are available in the market – wood wool and honeycomb. Honeycomb pads provide better water retention and are more durable than wooden wool pads.
Inverter Compatibility: This feature ensures that your desert cooler can operate smoothly on inverter backup even during power cuts.
Now that we’ve covered all the basics, here are our top recommendations for the best desert coolers you can buy for your home.
Best Desert Coolers for Your Home in 2026
This desert cooler from Symphony is designed for large rooms and semi-outdoor areas. It has a tall, durable plastic body with castor wheels for easy mobility. It is equipped with advanced CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) technology, which ensures uniform cooling throughout the room, while the powerful fan-based system provides strong air throw. Its spacious 91L tank supports longer cooling cycles, reducing refill frequency. Additionally, buyers get 3-side honeycomb cooling pads that enhance water retention and cooling efficiency. what’s more? This cooler is inverter-compatible, making it a reliable option during power cuts in the Indian summer.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers appreciate its large tank and its cooling performance. However, some have highlighted problems with noise levels at high speeds.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its capacity and cooling performance.
This desert cooler from Crompton is designed for medium to large rooms. It has a tall, durable plastic frame with castor wheels for easy mobility and high-density honeycomb cooling pads on its sides for better water retention. This cooler comes with a 75-litre tank, ensuring long cooling cycles with minimal refills, while features like auto-fill and an ice chamber enhance the convenience and cooling efficiency. It is powered by a 190W motor coupled with 4-way air deflection fans to provide an airflow of 4200 CFM. It is inverter-compatible and it comes with motor overload protection.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find this cooler to be of good quality with fast air flow and amazing cooling capacity. However, the pump’s performance and noise levels have received mixed reviews.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its cooling performance.
This desert cooler from Bajaj is designed for large rooms and harsh Indian summers. It has a long, sturdy plastic body with castor wheels that provide both durability and mobility. It is powered by Turbo Fan technology that provides strong airflow with air thrown up to 90 feet for wide cooling coverage. Its 90-litre tank supports extended operation without frequent refilling and the 3-side anti-bacterial Hexacool honeycomb pad enhances cooling efficiency and air cleanliness. Additional features like ice chamber promotes cooling during extreme heat, inverter compatibility makes it immune to power cuts and the Duramarine pump ensures reliable performance even during power cuts.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find this cooler to be of good quality with excellent cooling performance. They consider it a purchase with good value for money. However, the build quality and noise levels have received mixed reviews.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its cooling performance and features.
This desert cooler from Livpure is designed for efficient cooling in medium to large sized rooms. It has a sturdy plastic body with smooth-rolling caster wheels for easy mobility and uses a honeycomb cooling pad for better water retention and better cooling performance. It has a large tank with a capacity of 90L, which supports long cooling cycles with less refills. It provides strong airflow of 4500 CFM and multi-directional air deflection for even air flow. Its inverter compatibility ensures uninterrupted cooling during power cuts, making it ideal for Indian summers.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers find this cooler to be of good quality with excellent airflow. They also appreciate its value for money and great performance. However, swing performance and noise levels have received mixed reviews.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its cooling performance and features.
This desert cooler from Maharaja Whiteline is designed for medium to large spaces and features a sturdy plastic body with a no-frills design. It uses an 18-inch fan to provide powerful air circulation, supported by wood wool cooling pads. It comes with a 65-litre anti-bacterial tank, which ensures long cooling cycles without frequent refilling. This cooler provides airflow up to 5000 CFM with fast air throw, making it suitable for larger rooms. Its inverter compatibility ensures uninterrupted cooling during power cuts.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Customers find the air cooler to be effective, with one mentioning that it performs well in dry hot weather, and they consider it to be a value for money purchase. However, the noise level has received a mixed response.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its cooling performance.
This desert cooler from Kenstar is designed to cool large rooms. It has a tall, sturdy plastic body with front-locking caster wheels for stability and easy mobility. It uses a 3-sided anti-bacterial honeycomb cooling pad that provides up to 30 percent better cooling and better water retention for longer performance. It has a large fan, which ensures strong airflow and wide air throw, making it ideal for halls and open spaces. It comes with a generous 90L tank, which supports extended cooling without frequent refilling. It comes with inverter-compatible feature.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Customers find the quality of the air cooler to be above expectations and appreciate its cooling performance. They also like its build quality. However, noise levels and build quality have received mixed reviews.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its cooling performance.
This desert cooler from Havells has a sturdy body that can function as a side table when closed, making it ideal for space-conscious homes. It is equipped with a high-efficiency honeycomb cooling pad for better water retention and consistent cooling. The large 80L tank ensures long-term operation without frequent refilling, while its airflow of 3500 CFM enables effective cooling in medium to large rooms. Additional features include 4-way air deflection, auto louvers and inverter compatibility.
What are buyers saying on Amazon?
Buyers praise the air cooler’s impressive build quality, excellent airflow, and innovative design. However, the noise level has received a mixed response.
Why should you choose this product?
Buyers should choose this cooler for its cooling performance and innovative design.
Top 3 Features of Best Desert Cooler in India
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Hundreds of Iranians have rallied in Tehran to demand an end to US threats and the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports. The blockade is causing Iran’s already devalued currency to sink further.
Chennai: Indian Overseas Bank’s annual net profit crossed Rs 5,000 crore for the first time, with the public sector lender reporting FY26 profits at Rs 5,209 crore, up 56% from Rs 3,335 crore in FY25, driven by higher income and lower provisions and tax expenses. The bank’s operating profit also crossed Rs 10,000 crore for the first time.
The filing states prosecutors tracked purchases he’d made online using a fake name in the days after, including two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag and a shovel. They allege he also purchased a “burn cage” and made plans to incinerate evidence, the filing states.
New Delhi: The Times Group-owned Times Music has announced the acquisition of Catrack Entertainment, its third strategic acquisition and a key step forward in its ongoing partnership with Primary Wave Music.“The deal brings a culturally significant Punjabi music catalogue into its fold, unlocking a legacy repertoire for renewed global discovery and commercial scale,” the company said in a press release. This follows Times Music’s earlier acquisitions of ARC Musicq and Symphony Recording Co.“At The Times Group, we have always championed the voices that define India’s cultural fabric and with the acquisition of Catrack; Times Music reaffirms its commitment to preserving and powerfully amplifying the rich heritage of Punjabi music worldwide,” The Times Group MD Vineet Jain said in a statement.Established in 1990, Catrack Entertainment is a pioneering Punjabi music label. Its “golden era” catalogue features iconic artists such as Babbu Maan, Malkit Singh, Channi Singh, and Dolly Singh, while supporting early talent like Manmohan Waris, Surjit Khan, and Sukhwinder Panchhi.
