- Domestic coal prices drop in recent SECL’s auction
- Portside thermal coal prices in India drop w-o-w
Coal market sentiment remained cautious in the week ended 24 April, with weak industrial demand and limited buying activity keeping overall momentum subdued. Prices across various segments witnessed a drop w-o-w.
Domestic coal prices fall on lower bids in recent SECL auction
India’s domestic non-coking coal prices decreased by upto INR 700/t w-o-w as on 24 Apr’26, with 5,000 GCV at INR 6,250/t and 4,500 GCV at INR 4,600/t exw Bilaspur. Lower bids in SECL’s auction held on 23rd April amidst liquidity issues, pulled down domestic coal prices.
South African coal prices decline on falling sponge iron prices
South African thermal coal prices at Indian ports declined marginally by INR 100-200/t w-o-w, with ex-Paradip RB2 (5,500 NAR) at INR 10,900/t and RB3 (4,800 NAR) at INR 9,700/t. Limited trades were reported as high port stocks and falling sponge iron prices weighed on prices. India’s non-coking coal inventories at major Indian ports rose in week ending 18 Apr’26 by 7.2% w-o-w. Indian sponge iron prices declined w-o-w on limited trades in semi-finished and finished steel segments.
Indonesian portside low CV coal remains under pressure
Indian portside Indonesian coal prices fell for lower CV as of 24 Apr’26, 4,200 GAR held at INR 7,550/t exw Vizag and INR 7,650/t exw Kandla. Lower-grade 3,400 GAR declined slightly to INR 5,050/t exw Navlakhi. Limited trades were heard. While 5,000 GAR prices strengthened to INR 9,700/t (Kandla) on limited availability. As per local media reports, Indonesia is drafting regulations to impose export tariffs on coal to curb illegal trading.
US thermal coal portside prices drop
The US thermal coal market in India is showing signs of life – but not without complications. After two weeks of steady stock accumulation, inventories finally drew down in Week 16 as lifting volumes increased. However, a substantial pipeline of floating vessels carrying over 2.5 million tonnes of coal is headed toward Indian ports. BigMint’s assessment for US 6900 NAR fell by INR 1,100/t w-o-w to INR 13,900/t exw Kandla.
India met coke prices stable
India’s BF-grade metallurgical coke prices remained stable w-o-w as of 24 April 2026, reflecting balanced fundamentals. Prices held at INR 36,400/t ex-Jajpur in east and INR 33,500/t ex-Gandhidham in west. Import parity supported the market, with Indonesian coke at $289/t CFR India. Australian coking coal prices stood stable $231/t FOB, offering limited relief.
Imported pet coke prices drop on bid-offer disparity
India’s imported petcoke market weakened further as buyers are turning away from expensive pet coke to cheaper thermal coal. Delivered offers fell to $165/t against bids near $151/t, keeping the market largely inactive. BigMint expects imported pet coke prices will continue to face pressure in the near term.
BigMint’s coking coal index remains range-bound
BigMint’s PHCC coking coal index stood stable w-o-w at $253/t CNF Paradip. Absence of active firm inquiries and expectations of softening of rates kept buyers away from aggressive bidding. On the other hand, Australian coking coal offers remained range-bound w-o-w on unmoved market fundamentals.
Coal freight rates exhibit mixed sentiments
Dry bulk coal freight to India reflected a mixed trend in the week ended 24 April, with firm Supramax activity in the Pacific supporting overall sentiment, even as Panamax routes faced pressure amid softer enquiry and steady vessel availability. Dry bulk coal freight rates to India decreased w-o-w, with Richards Bay-India east coast routes at around $21-22/t.
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