Orient Bell has formally disclosed receiving force majeure communications from GAIL India Limited, its gas fuel supplier at the Sikandrabad plant in Uttar Pradesh. The disclosure, made pursuant to SEBI Listing Regulations on March 11, 2026, reveals significant operational constraints linked to ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East region.

Force Majeure Declaration Details

GAIL India Limited has declared force majeure under the Gas Sale Agreement, citing the ongoing war in the Middle East region as the primary cause. The declaration affects gas supply to all industrial customers and aligns with potential directives from the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

Production and Pricing Impact

The Sikandrabad plant will face restricted gas supply at 80% of its past 6-month average gas consumption, subject to operational availability. Any gas consumption above the prescribed limits will be invoiced as per applicable contractual terms and conditions.

Orient Bell expects this development to have a temporary and partial impact on production activities at the facility. However, the company has assured that dispatches continue in the normal course of business due to existing inventory levels.

Company Response and Assessment

The company is actively evaluating the situation to minimize operational impact. Orient Bell has stated it cannot currently ascertain the potential quantum of loss or damage, noting that based on current assessment, it is not in a position to determine or quantify any material impact on business operations at this stage.

The company has committed to closely monitoring the situation and providing further updates as material developments occur. The disclosure emphasizes that existing inventory levels are supporting continued dispatch operations despite the supply constraints.

Orient Bell Limited has witnessed increased promoter participation as Mahendra K. Daga, a key promoter of the company, expanded his shareholding through strategic open market acquisitions in early March 2026.

Recent Share Acquisitions

According to regulatory filings submitted under Regulation 29(2) of SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares & Takeovers) Regulations, 2011, Daga completed two separate share purchase transactions within a span of three days.

Shareholding Pattern Changes

The acquisitions have resulted in a gradual increase in Daga's stake in Orient Bell Limited. The promoter's shareholding progression demonstrates sustained confidence in the company's prospects.

Company Capital Structure

Orient Bell Limited maintains a stable capital structure with consistent equity share capital throughout the acquisition period. The company's shares are listed on both major Indian stock exchanges.

Regulatory Compliance

The transactions were conducted in full compliance with SEBI regulations, with proper disclosures filed within the stipulated timeframe. Daga, who belongs to the promoter and promoter group category, has fulfilled all regulatory requirements for substantial acquisition disclosures. The filings were submitted to BSE Limited's Corporate Relations Department, ensuring transparency in promoter shareholding changes.

These open market acquisitions reflect the promoter's continued commitment to the company while maintaining adherence to regulatory frameworks governing substantial shareholding changes in listed entities.