India: ECL non-coking coal auction records improved participation; G4 premiums strengthen

• G4 and G3 grade bid increased sharply 
• Overall allocations rise to 127,500 t vs previous auction

Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) conducted its non-coking coal e-auction on 14 March, offering 1,458,800 t of non-coking coal. Total allocations increased to 127,500 t, compared with 118,200 t in the 7 March auction, indicating relatively improved participation.

G4 bids up by around INR 400/t

Mid-grade G4 coal continued to dominate, with 96,050 t allocated, up from 83,500 t in the previous auction, at a higher average price of INR 5,273/t against last auction INR 4,888/t.

Sonepur Bazari OC remained the top contributor with 35,000 t at INR 5,698/t, slightly higher than the previous auction. Other key mines included Chitra OC (17,750 t at INR 4,440/t) and Jhanjra UG (10,000 t at INR 4,456/t).

Premiums remained firm at select mines such as Bansra UG (INR 6,481/t), Chora 10 pit UG (INR 6,229/t), and Dhemomain Incline (INR 6,931/t), indicating strong demand for select parcels.

Other grade allocations G3 bid up sharply

Higher-grade G3 coal bids increased sharply by INR 1,000/t to at INR 6,961/t for 6,000 t (vs 5,000 t in last auction), strong realizations , led by Porascole (E) UG (INR 7,077/t). G11 coal saw a sharp increase to 20,250 t against 4,850 t in the  previously auction (on 7th March) at INR 2,151/t (stable), largely from Hura C OC (11,450 t) and Rajmahal OC (8,800 t).

Lower allocations were recorded in W05 (3,650 t at INR 1,992/t), G5 (600 t at INR 4,084/t), G12 (600 t at INR 1,798/t), and G13 (350 t at INR 1,713/t).

Buyer participation

Shakambhari Ispat & Power Limited remained the largest buyer, securing 18,800 t of G4 coal. Iconic Coal Company lifted 6,950 t, followed by Vision Sponge Iron Pvt Ltd (4,050 t) and Rishaan Minerals Pvt Ltd (4,000 t).

Other active participants included Alaknanda Balmukund Ispat Pvt Ltd (4,000 t), Khemka Minerals Pvt Ltd (3,550 t), and Mark Trading Company (3,500 t), with participation spread across G4 and select higher-grade parcels.

Market insight

The auction reflected improved buying sentiment, with higher allocations and stronger premiums compared with the previous auction. Buyers continued to focus on G4 and select higher-grade coal, while increased offtake in G11 and G3 segments indicated broader participation. The rise in average prices suggests firm demand supported by recent domestic coal price trends and auction momentum.