India: Around 75% of over 0.81 mnt of coal booked at SECL’s auction on 26 Sep’25

• Strong buyer appetite for low-CV grades like G10 and G1
• BALCO remains largest bidder followed by Jindal Power

South Eastern Coalfields Ltd (SECL) allocated around 812,500 tonnes (t) of coal in its e-auction held on 26 September 2025, with G10 and G11 grades dominating the volumes. Nearly 604,000 t of these grades were booked (around 75% of total volumes) well above their reserve prices, reflecting sustained preference for low-CV material amid steady industrial demand.

Among them, 304,000 t of G11 were sold at an average INR 1,895/t against a floor of INR 1,418/t, while 300,000 t of G10 were booked at INR 1,719/t versus the base of INR 1,628/t. In the higher-CV category, G6 and G7 together accounted for around 141,000 t, with G6 fetching INR 3,891/t and G7 at INR 3,727/t, both trading well above their notified levels. Smaller parcels of G8 and G4 continued to draw robust bids, achieving INR 3,999/t and INR 4,511/t, respectively.

Top buyers

Bharat Aluminium Co. Ltd. emerged as the leading buyer, securing 62,800 t at an average of INR 1,718/t, followed by Jindal Power Ltd. with 48,500 t at INR 1,678/t. Other notable buyers included B.S. Sponge Pvt. Ltd. (40,000 t at INR 3,031/t), Shelter Infra Developers (39,250 t at INR 3,617/t), Ambika Iron and Minerals (31,000 t at INR 3,013/t), and Raipur Coal Feeder Pvt. Ltd. (30,500 t at INR 2,704/t).

Mine-wise allocations

Among key sources, Chhal OC contributed the largest share with 307,500 t sold at INR 1,679/t, followed by Kusmunda OC (200,000 t at INR 2,076/t) and Jagannathpur OC (100,000 t at INR 1,646/t). Smaller but high-value parcels were sold from Rampur Batura (50,000 t at INR 3,919/t), Khairaha UG (30,000 t at INR 3,571/t), Chirmiri OC (30,000 t at INR 4,316/t), Vijay West UG (30,000 t at INR 4,511/t), and Amgaon OC (30,000 t at INR 3,999/t).

Market scenario

The auction reaffirmed strong buyer appetite for low-CV grades like G10 and G11, which cleared comfortably above their floor levels. Higher-CV grades such as G6, G7, and G4 also attracted firm bids amid ongoing blending demand and tight supply from underground sources. Overall, SECL’s September auction reflected steady industrial coal demand and continued interest in premium varieties despite limited fresh market momentum.