India: Washed coal prices rise w-o-w on tight ROM coal availability, weak mine dispatches

• Washed coal (5,000 GCV) rises INR 100/t w-o-w to INR 6,350/t FOR Raipur
• Suppliers expect production constraints to persist until monsoon conditions improve

BigMint’s assessment for washed coal (8-50 mm, 38-39% FC, 5,000 GCV) increased by INR 100/t w-o-w to INR 6,350/t FOR Raipur as on 15 July 2026, supported by tight availability of run of mine (ROM) coal and weak dispatches from coal mines.

Market participants indicated that production at several washeries has been affected due to inadequate ROM coal supply, with auction frequency also slowing during the monsoon. Limited feedstock availability has reduced washed coal output, tightening spot supply despite subdued downstream demand.

Ex-plant offers for washed coal from the Bilaspur region were largely heard in the INR 5,800-6,500/t range, while FOR Raipur offers were assessed around INR 6,250-6,450/t, depending on quality and freight. A transaction for 10,000 t of washed coal from Bilaspur was reported at around INR 6,400/t FOR Durg, equivalent to approximately INR 6,250-6,300/t FOR Raipur.

According to market participants, dispatches from coal mines remain significantly below normal levels, restricting ROM coal availability for washeries. Most suppliers expect production constraints to persist until monsoon conditions improve and mine dispatches normalise.

Domestic coal prices remained stable during the week, BigMint assessed 5,000 GCV coal unchanged w-o-w at INR 5,500/t, while 4,500 GCV remained steady at INR 4,050/t exw Bilaspur.

Outlook

Market participants expect washed coal availability to improve once mining activity normalises after the monsoon and ROM coal auction frequency returns to regular levels, allowing washeries to secure adequate feedstock and increase production.