Met coke prices rise further in eastern India, supported by robust fundamentals

• Higher landed costs of coking coal offer cost support
• Pig iron remains range-bound amid stable demand

The Indian metallurgical coke (met coke) market displayed mixed movements during the week ending 13 November 2025. Prices in the eastern region gained marginally amid robust demand, while those in the western region held steady amid limited spot activity and balanced demand.

In eastern India, BF-grade (25-90 mm) met coke was assessed at INR 31,500/t ex-Jajpur, marking a rise of INR 500/t w-o-w. Meanwhile, western India’s ex-works Gandhidham prices remained unchanged at INR 30,000/t. Foundry-grade met coke in Rajkot rose slightly by INR 200/t to INR 35,700/t, supported by steady consumption and firmer cost push.

Firming momentum in east, stability in west

Market dynamics turned bullish in eastern India after a key trade boosted sentiment. Notably, an eastern player booked 25,000 t at INR 32,000/t exw-Jajpur earlier this week. Additionall, the price uptick was supported by costlier coking coal and recent bulk tender conclusions. Stable pig iron prices offered market support.

In contrast, western India saw muted activity, with prices holding steady amid balanced supply-demand conditions.

China: Coke prices strengthen on tight supply

China’s met coke plants completed the third round of price hikes in early November amid strong feed coal costs and tight supply. Profit margins remained thin but stable, while coke inventories at steel mills stayed low, lifting restocking activity.

Indian pig iron market strengthens

Domestic pig iron prices edged up w-o-w. Steel-grade pig iron stood at INR 32,000/t ex-Durgapur, up marginally by INR 200/t w-o-w.

NMDC’s Nagarnar auction fetched INR 30,850/t, while SAIL-Bokaro auction averaged INR 31,450/t, both showing improved buying interest, with higher bids.

Outlook

Met coke prices in India may witness mild upward pressure in the near term amid higher input costs of coking coal and steady pig iron demand. However, sentiment in the western market is expected to remain cautious amid anti-dumping duty discussions.