The trending commodity podcast with Subramani Ra Mancombu

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)

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)

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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.

In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Viraj Thadeshwar, Executive Director and CEO, Shringar House of Mangalsutra, about the shift toward lighter and lower caratage gold amid rising prices. Thadeshwar explains why 18 and 14 carat jewellery is gaining popularity, how 9 carat is still in its early adoption phase, and how weight-reduction strategies and modern infrastructure are helping manufacturers maintain design, quality, and affordability.

In this episode of businessline’s Trending Commodity Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu talks to Mr Ponmudi, CEO of Enrich Money, about the sharp rise in precious metals and the factors driving gold and silver prices.The discussion covers why gold and silver have outperformed other asset classes amid economic uncertainty, geopolitical risks, and questions around currency confidence.

Mr Ponmudi explains why portfolio allocation to precious metals should vary by investor, based on risk appetite, hedging needs, and personal financial circumstances.The episode also looks ahead to 2026, examining the role of central bank credibility, reserve diversification, and the growing industrial demand for silver from electric vehicles, renewable energy, and technology-driven sectors.