Letters to the Editor dated March 20, 2026 - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 74,532.96+ 325.72NIFTY 23,114.50+ 112.35CRUDEOIL 9,114.00+ 116.00GOLD 144,099.00 -855.00SILVER 227,715.00 -3,745.00SENSEX 74,532.96+ 325.72NIFTY 23,114.50+ 112.35NIFTY 23,114.50+ 112.35CRUDEOIL 9,114.00+ 116.00CRUDEOIL 9,114.00+ 116.00GOLD 144,099.00 -855.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Updated - March 20, 2026 at 09:29 PM.Price stabilization fundThis refers to the interview with PMEAC Chairman S Mahendra Dev (March 20). War situation has brought to surface the need for buffer stocks and the role of reserves in financial stability.The proposal to set up a ₹1 lakh crore stabilization fund has come at the right time. Beyond the functional role as a shock absorber, this fund can become a role model for financial institutions and other organisations prone to internal and external vulnerabilities. Institutions like RBI have built-in reserve systems to absorb unexpected shocks.Moving forward, it would be appropriate to review the need for commodity specific rolling price stabilization funds and augmenting infrastructure for storage and transportation of essential commodities.MG WarrierMumbaiConflicts and contractsWith reference to “Law in times of conflict” (March 20), dispute resolution from the maritime conflicts in extraordinary situations like the ongoing Gulf war is complex, in the absence of adequate international regulatory support and flexible insurance underwriting clauses.While the eagerness of every maritime trading country in ensuring the speedy movement of vessels voyaging through troubled waters, the risks involved in enforcement of the legal protection enshrined in the joint trade agreements between member countries through arbitration and other methods warns each country to have its own mechanism of guardrails.As aptly pointed out, the non-supportive insurance risk clauses excluding extraordinary events like wars etc. result in failed contractual obligations albeit substantial revenue losses. Trade protection must be ensured through well-regulated international dispute resolution policies and insurance coverage.Sitaram PopuriBengaluruBank issuesThis refers to the news report ‘No power struggle’ in HDFC Bank; Chakraborty’s resignation ‘baffling’ . Interim Chairman Keki Mistry’s assurances are measured and professional, but they do not fully resolve the unease. When a former IAS officer of Chakraborty’s standing cites ethical incongruence and then declines to elaborate, the matter cannot be settled simply by calling it baffling.The board’s admission that no substantive discussion took place prior to the resignation is itself a governance concern. HDFC Bank’s fundamentals may well be sound, as Mistry insists, but that’s not germane to the issue on hand. The RBI should seek a fuller account — to protect its long-term credibility.A. MyilsamiCoimbatorePublished on March 20, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }