- Mid-, high-CV grades attract strong premiums
- Indermani Minerals emerges as largest bidder
South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) allocated 174,850 t of coal in its 13 November 2025 spot e-auction, recording healthy participation across industrial consumers and traders. The auction reflected broad-based demand, with buyers actively competing for G12, G8, G6, G7 and select higher-CV grades.
Grade-wise performance: Strong premiums across G12, G8, G6
- G12 (3700 – 4000 kcal/kg) witnessed the highest offtake in the auction, with 60,000 t booked at an average INR 2,073/t, almost 89% above its notified level of INR 1,098/t.
- G8 (4900 – 5200 kcal/kg) emerged as the second-most traded grade, with 30,000 t fetching a strong INR 4,024/t — a premium of over 109%.
- G6 (5500 – 5800 kcal/kg), totalling 24,000 t, cleared at INR 3,741/t, while G7 (21,550 t) attracted bids of INR 3,436/t, signalling active demand from sponge iron and small industrial units.
Mid-CV grades also saw notable premiums:
- G10 (4300 – 4600 kcal/kg) 20,000 t booked at INR 1,977/t (up by 46% over reserve price).
- G9 (4600 – 4900kcal/kg) 15,700 t sold at INR 2,834/t (higher by 89% over reserve price).
Meanwhile, SC II (3,600 t) fetched bids of INR 3,452/t, supported by niche industrial demand.
Across grades, the consistent premium levels indicate tightening supply and active restocking among traders following weeks of thin arrivals.
Mine-wise allocations: Saraipalli leads; high bids observed at Amgaon, Dhelwadih
SECL sourced supply from a mix of open-cast and underground mines, with Saraipalli contributing the largest share at 86,700 t, dominated by G12 and G10.
Key high-CV contributions included:
- Amgaon OC: 30,000 t of G8 at INR 4,024/t
- Gayatri UG: 19,000 t of G6 at INR 3,624/t
Consistent premiums across multiple collieries underscore confidence in SECL’s supply, with buyers showing a willingness to book higher-quality underground output at firmer levels.
Buyer-wise allocations: Indermani tops list
Indermani Mineral (India) Pvt Ltd emerged as the largest bidder with 30,500 t, averaging INR 1,978/t, mainly focused on G12 and G10.
Hind Unitrade Pvt Ltd secured 13,600 t at a much higher average of INR 3,794/t, reflecting strong competition for mid-CV grades.
The spread in bid levels highlights varying procurement strategies — some focusing on economical G12/G10 volumes, while others aggressively secured G6-G9 grades for blending and industrial use.
Market overview: Premium bids signal firm demand for mid-CV grades
The 13 November auction demonstrated a clear rebound in buying appetite, with bidders showing stronger urgency across most mid- and high-CV grades despite muted demand trends in downstream industries. Premiums remained broad-based, underscoring tightening supply and rising restocking needs among traders.
The results of the auction also suggest the following:
- Revival in buying interest after recent low-volume auctions in October
- Strong competition for G6-G9, driven by improved sponge iron sentiment
- Tight regional availability, especially of G8 and high-quality underground grades
- Broad-based participation across traders and small industrial consumers due to low inventories
Additionally, mid-CV grades fetched some of the highest premiums seen since October, suggesting buyers are replenishing low stock levels despite subdued broader industrial demand.
Outlook
SECL’s auctions are likely to continue witnessing strong premiums for G6-G9 grades as traders restock ahead of winter demand. While market sentiment remains cautious in sponge iron and captive power segments, tight spot availability and limited upcoming auctions could keep bidding competitive through late November.
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