India: Over 400,000 t of coal sold at ECL auctions in Feb’25

• G4 dominates amid steady buyer demand
• SS Enterprises emerges as leading buyer

Auctions held by Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) on 14, 18, 20, 24, 27, and 28 February 2025 saw robust activity, with coal sales touching 437,100 t. G4 grade maintained its dominance in sales volume, while bidding behaviour indicated strong demand for mid- to low-grade coal.

Sales trends

The 14 February auction witnessed 80,650 t sold at an average price of INR 7,038/t, led by strong demand for G4 (68,500 t at INR 7,187/t). On 18 February, 43,350 t were sold at INR 6,003/t, including 19,350 t of G3 at INR 5,250/t. The highest single-day sales occurred on 28 February, with 109,200 t sold, driven by 100,000 t of G4 at INR 5,689/t.

On 20 February, 70,650 t were sold at INR 5,479/t, and on 24 February, sales stood at 34,500 t at INR 5,341/t. The 27 February auction featured high demand for G10, with 56,050 t sold at INR 2,317/t, contributing to total sales of 98,750 t.

Grade-wise performance

G4 remains in high demand: G4 consistently led sales, especially on 28 February with 100,000 t at INR 5,689/t. Other major G4 sales include 68,500 t at INR 7,187/t on 14 February and 54,000 t at INR 5,920/t on 20 February.

G3, G5 see strong demand: G3 sales peaked on 27 February at 20,000 t (INR 6,787/t), while G5 saw consistent interest across auctions, including 11,650 t on 20 February at INR 5,481/t.

G10 gains traction: On 27 February, 56,050 t of G10 were sold at INR 2,317/t, marking significant buyer interest in low-grade coal.

Top buyers

SS Enterprises was the leading buyer, securing 10,800 t on 14 February and 5,950 t on 20 February. Khemka Minerals Pvt. Ltd bought 6,800 t on 14 February and 3,300 t on 20 February. SM Global Commodities led the 28 February auction with 10,500 t, while Rudra Enterprises was the top buyer on 27 February with 5,500 t.

Market implications

ECL auctions in February highlight sustained demand for G4 grade coal and growing interest in lower grades such as G10, with bid prices varying in response to grade quality. Buyer activity also suggests strategic procurement focused on cost-effectiveness and operational fit.