Moody's upgrades BPCL outlook to 'stable' as govt calls off stake sale

The rating agency affirmed BPCL's Baa3 issuer rating reflecting its position as the second-largest state-owned refining and marketing company in India

Rating agency Moody's has upgraded the outlook on rating Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) from 'negative' to 'stable' as the government's decision to call off the proposed stake sale in the company eliminates the risk of potential deterioration in its credit quality.

"If the divestment had occurred, we would have reassessed the sovereign support currently incorporated in BPCL's rating that results in a one-notch uplift," said Sweta Patodia, assistance and vice president and analyst, Moody's. On May 26, 2022, the government called off the process for the strategic divestment of its 52.98 per cent stake in the company.

The rating