Investors eyeing dividend payouts from 19 companies, including NTPC, have until Wednesday to purchase shares and qualify for the upcoming dividend distributions. This marks the last trading session before these stocks go ex-dividend, a crucial deadline for those looking to benefit from the announced payouts.

Key Dividend Announcements

NTPC, one of India's leading power generation companies, has announced a final dividend of Rs 3.35 per share. This announcement comes alongside several other notable dividend declarations:

• ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation): Recommended a final dividend of Rs 1.25 per share
• Oil India : Declared a dividend of Rs 1.50 per share
• Clean Science and Technology: Set to distribute Rs 4.00 per share
• Bharat Bijlee and Uni Abex Alloy Products: Both companies will pay Rs 35.00 per share

Importance of the Record Date

Under India's T+1 settlement cycle, it's crucial for investors to purchase shares before the record date to qualify for dividend payments. The record date is the cut-off point that determines shareholder eligibility for receiving dividends.

Investor Considerations

Investors interested in these dividend payments should be aware of the following:

1. The last day to purchase shares to qualify for dividends is Wednesday.
2. Shares bought on or after the ex-dividend date will not be eligible for the upcoming dividend payment.
3. The T+1 settlement cycle in India means that transactions are settled one day after the trade date, affecting the timing of share ownership recognition.

This dividend announcement period encompasses a diverse range of companies across various sectors, offering investors multiple options for potential dividend income. As always, investors are advised to consider their overall investment strategy and consult with financial advisors before making investment decisions based solely on dividend announcements.

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Chairperson Arun Kumar Singh has dismissed reports suggesting that Russian crude oil is available in the spot market at prices below $60.00 per barrel. The statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about global oil prices and the impact of international sanctions on Russian oil exports.

Preparedness for Market Volatility

Singh emphasized that ONGC is well-prepared to navigate the volatile global energy environment. He expressed confidence in the company's ability to handle market fluctuations, stating that the current crude oil price volatility is expected to be temporary.

Cost Management Initiatives

In response to the challenging market conditions, ONGC has implemented several cost management measures:

• Reduced drilling rig expenses
• Logistics savings achieved by halving distances from northern fields
• Cuts in Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) and Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) costs

These initiatives demonstrate ONGC's proactive approach to maintaining operational efficiency in a dynamic market.

Russian Crude Economics

Addressing the economics of Russian crude, Singh provided insights into the pricing dynamics:

• While Russian crude can sometimes be economical, higher freight costs compared to Middle Eastern crude often result in similar landed prices.
• This explanation challenges the notion that Russian oil is significantly cheaper than other sources when all factors are considered.

ONGC Videsh's Overseas Strategy

Singh also commented on ONGC Videsh, the international arm of ONGC:

• The company will continue its overseas expansion plans, aligning with national interests.
• Efforts are underway to increase production at Russian assets, indicating ONGC's commitment to its international portfolio.

As global energy markets continue to evolve, ONGC's stance on Russian crude prices and its strategic approach to cost management and international operations provide valuable insights into the company's position in the current oil and gas landscape.