NSE to Launch Brent Crude Oil Futures Trading in 2026

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is preparing to launch Brent Crude Oil futures trading on April 13, 2026. This initiative, approved by Sebi, aims to provide Indian market participants with access to a global benchmark for crude oil. The new contracts will help traders manage price risks more effectively and enhance liquidity in the domestic market. With monthly expirations extending through 2027 and a maximum position limit of 10,000 barrels, these contracts are expected to significantly impact India's commodity derivatives market. Further details on risk management and settlement will be announced by NSE Clearing Ltd.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 18:53 IST

Introduction of Brent Crude Oil Futures

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is set to commence trading in Brent Crude Oil futures contracts starting April 13, 2026, following the approval from the market regulator, Sebi. This initiative will introduce new Dated Brent Crude Oil (Platts) futures contracts within the commodity derivatives segment. These contracts will utilize the S&P Global Energy (Platts) Dated Brent index as their benchmark, recognized as a key international standard for crude oil pricing.

The trading symbol designated for these contracts will be “BRCRUDEOIL”. As per an NSE announcement, these contracts will feature monthly expirations extending through 2027. Each contract will represent 100 barrels of oil, with a maximum position limit set at 10,000 barrels. Initially, a daily price limit of 6% will be enforced. Should the price reach this threshold, trading will be halted for 15 minutes, after which the limit may be raised to 9%.

The exchange has indicated potential for further adjustments. If international prices exceed the 9% limit (after conversion to rupees), the daily price band may be expanded in increments of 3%, with prior notification to the market. These contracts will be settled in cash, with the average price for crude oil (Platts Dated Brent) calculated in USD and subsequently converted to INR using the USD/INR exchange rate published by the Reserve Bank of India on that specific date. The final price will be rounded to the nearest tick.

NSE emphasizes that this launch aims to provide Indian market participants with access to a global crude oil benchmark. It is expected to assist refiners, importers, and institutional traders in managing their price risks more effectively. Additionally, the exchange anticipates that these new contracts will enhance price discovery in the domestic market, fostering increased liquidity and participation. This move is viewed as a significant step towards aligning India’s commodity derivatives market more closely with global oil prices. Further information regarding risk management, clearing, and settlement will be disclosed separately by NSE Clearing Ltd.