The trending commodity podcast with Subramani Ra Mancombu

The Hindu businessline
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Why are gold and silver prices rising? Why do the prices of copper, steel, and nickel keep fluctuating? Why do the price of the fuel we use in our vehicles continue to rise? What's happening around us that we are failing to take note of? What's likely to happen in the short term? Are you interested in learning about these? Stay tuned to our new podcast series explaining the key factors affecting the commodity markets brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline.

  1. 4d ago

    Can India’s man-made fibre industry navigate the Iran war disruption?

    The Iran war and the resulting volatility in crude oil prices are pushing up raw material costs and disrupting supply chains for India’s man-made fibre industry. In this episode of BusinessLine’s Trending Commodities podcast, Sunil Jhunjhunwala, Head of the MMF Committee at the Tiruppur Exporters’ Association and Co-founder and Managing Director of TechnoSport, discusses the impact on the knitwear sector, India’s domestic processing capabilities and the policies needed to improve global competitiveness. He also explains why the long-term shift from cotton to man-made fibres is being driven by technology and performance rather than price, and looks at the growing demand for activewear. (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producers: Siddharth MC, KKA Vadhuladesikan, Renil S Varghese)

  2. Aug 27

    How freight volatility and geopolitical tensions are reshaping commodity markets

    Commodity markets are increasingly being shaped by supply chains rather than production alone. In this episode of BusinessLine's Trending Commodities podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Soham Chokshi, Co-founder and CEO of Shipsy, about how freight volatility, geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions are influencing commodity prices, inventory planning and sourcing decisions. From the Red Sea crisis and changing shipping routes to rising working capital costs and the need for diversified suppliers, the discussion explores why logistics has become a crucial component of competitiveness. Chokshi also explains how businesses are shifting their focus from cost efficiency to resilience in a world where supply chain disruptions have become a recurring reality. (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producer: Siddharth Mathew Cherian)

    How freight volatility and geopolitical tensions are reshaping commodity markets

  3. Jul 29

    Beyond E20: How India's ethanol ecosystem is evolving | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 12

    India’s ethanol programme has moved beyond blending targets, with energy security, agricultural markets, and a broader biofuel ecosystem shaping its future. In this episode of the Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu speaks with Tarun Sawhney, Vice Chairman & MD of Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd about the evolving landscape of India’s ethanol and biofuel sector. The conversation is about why ethanol has become important not only for reducing dependence on imported crude oil but also for supporting India’s environmental commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions. Sawhney discusses how the biofuel ecosystem extends beyond ethanol production, creating opportunities for farmers, industries, and the development of a circular bioeconomy. The discussion also examines the readiness needed for higher ethanol blends, including supply, distribution networks, flex-fuel vehicles, and policy support. Sawhney explains why India’s ethanol future is expected to rely on a wider range of feedstocks, including grain-based sources such as damaged rice, surplus food grains, and maize, rather than only sugarcane. The episode also looks at how ethanol is influencing agricultural markets, improving demand stability for farmers, and creating new linkages between fuel, farming, and industry. Sawhney shares his outlook on the impact of El Niño on the sugarcane sector and why he expects no significant sugar shortage in the near term.

  4. Jun 11

    Volatile gold, rising recycling: Is old gold now 40–50% of demand? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 11

    India’s gold market is influenced by global prices, rupee movement, and changing domestic demand patterns, says Ketan Kothari, whole-time director at Augmont.

  5. May 28

    India’s Café Culture Boom: How rising coffee culture is keeping consumption and prices elevated | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 10

    Global coffee prices may have cooled from recent highs, but coffee consumption in India continues to grow. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu speaks with Rajat Agarwal, CEO of Barista Coffee, about the evolution of India’s café culture and the changing dynamics of coffee consumption. The conversation explores how rising coffee prices have influenced consumer behaviour, why cafés are evolving into lifestyle and community hubs, and how speciality coffee is transforming customer expectations. Agarwal also discusses the growing importance of Indian-origin coffee beans, transparency in sourcing, barista-led customer engagement, and the emergence of home brewing culture among younger consumers. This episode explores how cafés are boosting employment, enhancing skill development, and offering premium coffee experiences, all while strengthening the Made-in-India coffee identity. Listen in for insights on coffee trends, café innovation, speciality blends, and the future of India’s coffee ecosystem

    India’s Café Culture Boom: How rising coffee culture is keeping consumption and prices elevated | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 10

  6. May 13

    From mines to megacities: Can green zinc power India’s future? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 09

    What do steel, solar energy, fertilizers, and climate goals have in common? Zinc. In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host M R Subramani Mancombu sits down with Nikhil Raj, Director, Sustainable Outcomes Pvt. Ltd., to unpack how responsible mining is quietly becoming one of the biggest shifts in the global commodity landscape. From cleaner supply chains and ESG compliance to zinc-based energy storage systems and food security, Raj explains why mining today is no longer just about extraction, but about sustainability, transparency, and long-term industrial growth. The conversation also explores how India is positioning itself as a reliable supplier of green and responsibly produced metals in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of mining, climate policy, infrastructure, and the future of global trade.

  7. Mar 31

    War, gold, and diamonds: How geopolitics shapes jewellery sales | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 08

    In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Parag Shah, CEO of KISNA Diamonds, about the changing landscape of India’s diamond jewelry market.  Shah explains how tier 2 and tier 3 cities are emerging as key growth hubs, and how volatile gold prices and geopolitical tensions influence consumer behavior. He also shares how KISNA Diamonds uses fast manufacturing and supply chain systems to deliver products from store to factory and back within 48 hours, ensuring fresh designs and a better customer experience.  Tune in to explore how tradition, technology, and new markets are reshaping the industry.  (Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu, Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy)

  8. Feb 23

    Gold, silver and copper turn volatile after record highs: Expert explains what’s next? | Trending Commodity Podcast | EP 07

    In this episode of Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu discusses the sudden volatility in gold, silver, and copper after their record-breaking rallies in December and January. Jateen N Trivedi, VP & Research Analyst (Commodity & Currency) at LKP Securities, breaks down what triggered the sharp swings, from COMEX margin hikes to geopolitical tensions and shares his near-term and long-term outlook for precious and industrial metals. Tune in for sharp insights on price ranges, market drivers, and what Indian investors can expect in the months ahead.

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Why are gold and silver prices rising? Why do the prices of copper, steel, and nickel keep fluctuating? Why do the price of the fuel we use in our vehicles continue to rise? What's happening around us that we are failing to take note of? What's likely to happen in the short term? Are you interested in learning about these? Stay tuned to our new podcast series explaining the key factors affecting the commodity markets brought to you by our host, Subramani Ra Mancombu, Head of Agri-Business and Commodities at The Hindu businessline.

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