- MOIL’s 5% hike in manganese ore prices strengthens cost support
- Rising reductant costs reinforce domestic silico manganese prices
Domestic silico manganese prices reached a six-month high in the week ending 6 October 2026, supported by limited spot availability and production curtailments. The recent 5% increase in MOIL manganese ore prices across grades has further strengthened replacement costs and provided additional support to silico manganese prices. Meanwhile, rising pearl coke prices have added to input-cost pressures, reinforcing the firm price trend.
Raipur prices rose by INR 2,600/t ($27/t) to INR 84,400/t ($873/t) exw, while Vizag prices increased by INR 2,700/t ($28/t) to INR 83,900/t ($867/t) exw. Durgapur and Raigarh also recorded gains of INR 2,200/t ($39/t) and INR 2,800/t ($31/t), reaching INR 84,000/t ($868/t) and INR 83,800/t ($866/t) exw, respectively.
Confirmed deals as per BigMint
Prices rise as buyers rush to secure material: Domestic silico manganese demand improved as buyers increasingly looked to secure material amid concerns over further price increases and limited spot availability. The combination of tighter availability and firm seller indications has provided support to domestic prices. Some sellers have started quoting around INR 85,000/t exw-Raipur for silico manganese 60-14, while deals of around 500 t were reported near INR 84,500/t exw-Raipur, close to the BigMint assessment. These transactions are helping establish a higher market reference for key domestic regions, with sellers increasingly anchoring offers around the prevailing BigMint benchmark.
Several key silico manganese producers are undergoing planned maintenance, with some selling power to the grid instead of producing alloy. Curtailments are expected through October, with possible extensions into November, potentially tightening spot availability and keeping domestic prices supported, sources informed BigMint.
MOIL price hike boosts domestic market: State-owned MOIL Ltd has raised manganese ore prices by 5% across all grades for October 2026 deliveries. Prices for ferro-grade ore with manganese content of 44% and above, as well as ferro-grade ore below 44%, chemical grades, silico manganese grade (SMGR) material and fines, have all been revised upward by 5%.
Outlook
Domestic silico manganese prices are expected to remain firm. Limited spot availability, production curtailments and higher manganese ore and reductant costs are providing a floor to prices. However, elevated price levels could limit fresh buying interest and cap further upside, unless supply tightness intensifies.
Leave a Reply