India: Graphite electrode prices likely to increase by 20% for July quarter

SteelMint has learnt from reliable sources that Indian graphite electrode (GE) prices for UHP grade (600mm) are set to rise to INR 340,000/t ($4,670/t) from current level of INR 290,000/t ($3,980/t) for Jul-Sep’21 quarter. Similarly, 450mm HP grade electrode prices are expected to touch INR 275,000/t ($3,780/t) against INR 225,000/t ($3,090/t) currently. The price rise is being attributed to rising imported needle coke costs which are likely to go up from the current levels of $1,500-1,800/t to above $2,000/t from Jul’21.