Business

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Coal India and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) are among 10 listed stocks that saw the highest increase in government holding during the fourth quarter, according to market data and shareholding pattern updates.

The latest analysis shows that several public sector undertakings (PSUs) witnessed a rise in government stake, reflecting continued state interest and strategic consolidation in key sectors such as energy, banking, and infrastructure. Coal India and ONGC stood out as major constituents in this list due to their significant weightage in the PSU segment and their strong presence in India’s energy ecosystem.

Coal India, India’s largest coal producer, continues to remain a key contributor to government revenue and energy security. ONGC, the country’s leading upstream oil and gas exploration company, also remains strategically important amid volatile global crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainties.

The increase in government holding across these companies comes amid broader disinvestment activity and offer-for-sale (OFS) transactions, where the Centre balances stake reduction with maintaining strategic control in critical public sector enterprises.

Market experts note that such changes in shareholding patterns often influence investor sentiment, especially in large-cap PSUs, as government involvement is seen as a sign of stability and long-term policy support.

Other stocks in the list reportedly include select PSU banking and infrastructure names, highlighting a wider trend of state presence strengthening in core economic sectors.