- Sellers prioritise dispatch of old bookings
- Seasonal challenges continue to limit supply
Iron ore concentrate prices in Jabalpur, central India, remained flat this week, with BigMint’s assessment factoring in the higher bids in OMC auction, along with positive pellet and Odisha iron ore market sentiments, that lent support to concentrate offers in the region.
BigMint’s bi-weekly iron ore concentrate index was stable at INR 4,800/tonne (t) ($54/t) exw-Jabalpur. Meanwhile, Fe 63% iron ore concentrate prices are hovering in the range of INR 4,950-5,100/t ($56-58/t) exw.
A few deals were reported at around INR 4,950/t ($56/t). Jabalpur-based sellers informed BigMint that “pending orders are yet to be dispatched, and fresh offers will be released only after the completion of existing commitments.”
Furthermore, railway movement restrictions, which had previously eased, have resurfaced as a concern, while inadequate road connectivity in key mining regions has further disrupted the supply chain. Despite steady underlying demand, these logistical bottlenecks and supply-side constraints have limited material availability, resulting in cautious buying activity.
Rationale
- No trade was recorded in this publishing window.
- Eight (8) offers and indicative prices were heard, of which seven (7) were taken into consideration as T2 trades, receiving 100% weightage.
Factors affecting iron ore concentrate prices
- Pellet prices remain largely stable in Raipur: Pellet prices in the Raipur region inched down by INR 50/t ($1/t) w-o-w to INR 10,350/t ($118/t) with buying limited to need-based transactions amid moderate demand. Local producers maintained offers for Fe63% (+/-0.5%) pellets at INR 10,100-10,300/t ($116-118/t) ex-works, while around 26,000 t of deals were concluded in recent days. Although demand persists, buyers remain cautious due to prevailing weakness in the downstream steel market, resulting in procurement largely confined to immediate requirements.
- Odisha iron ore fines remains steady w-o-w: BigMint’s Odisha iron ore fines (Fe 62%) index remained stable w-o-w at INR 5,500/tonne (t) ($63/t) ex-mines on 23 August 2025. Prices held firm this week, supported by the recent OMC auction where bids for fines increased, while lump prices remained largely stable compared to the July event. The auction saw strong participation from steelmakers, with over 2 mnt of material booked. Additionally, monsoon-related supply disruptions further contributed to the steady price trend in the region.
Outlook
Iron ore concentrate prices are expected to remain rangebound in the near term, supported by stable pellet and Odisha iron ore markets. However, logistical bottlenecks and supply-side constraints may keep availability tight.
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