By Urvi Dugar

May 25 (Reuters) - Hindalco Industries HALC.NS expects unit Novelis to deliver earnings of about $500 per tonne in fiscal 2027 and sees strong demand across its Indian aluminium and copper businesses, a senior executive said on Monday.

Fire-related disruptions at Novelis' Oswego plant in New York hurt earnings in the fiscal year 2026, resulting in a one-time charge of 41.71 billion rupees ($437.59 million) in the fourth quarter.

"...for Novelis the worst is over", said managing director Satish Pai in a post earnings call with media, adding that he remains confident of retaining customers like automaker Ford F.N.

The U.S. unit, which contributes about 60% of revenue, reported adjusted EBITDA of $462 per tonne for fiscal 2026.

Hindalco, one of India's biggest aluminium and copper producers, benefited from firmer metal prices and strong seasonal demand, but the Middle East conflict has raised input costs and tightened supplies.

"The two places where our prices have gone up are Furnace Oil and CP Coke (Calcined Petroleum)" he pointed out and said will only correct once the Strait of Hormuz opens and then the commodity fuel prices come down.

Raw material costs will go up by another 5% in the coming quarters, Pai said.

Hindalco expects high double-digit growth in its domestic aluminium downstream business this fiscal year, driven by ramp-up at its new rolling facility, Aditya FRP, and expansion into higher-value products such as EV components and construction materials.

The company forecast quarterly copper EBITDA of 6 billion rupees to 7 billion rupees, with earnings seen remaining resilient despite weak treatment and refining charges, supported by downstream products and precious metals.

Pai said India could eliminate reliance on imported refined copper within two years through capacity additions and recycling, though dependence on imported copper ore is likely to continue despite efforts to boost domestic exploration and secure long-term supply deals.