INDIA COAL IMPORTS

Steel makers set for profit surge in March quarter

Steelmakers are poised for a significant profit surge in the March quarter, driven by a new protectionist measure and seasonal demand. Higher prices and volumes are expected to outweigh increased coking coal costs, with SAIL projected to see the sharpest profit growth. India's improved trade balance and resilient domestic demand further bolster the sector's outlook.

Iran war exposes cost of Asia's fossil fuel reliance

The latest global energy shock highlights the risks of fuel import dependence, with Bangladesh hit hard by soaring LNG costs after supply disruptions, forcing costly spot purchases. In contrast, Pakistan’s shift to solar reduced reliance on imports and cushioned the impact. The divergence underscores the need for emerging economies to accelerate clean energy adoption to limit exposure to price volatility.

Steel to stay costly through 2026, India to lead demand rebound in 2027: Report

Global steel demand will stay weak, growing just 0.3% in 2026, with China dragging growth while India emerges as a strong outlier. Despite soft demand, steel prices are rising due to higher raw material costs, supply tightness, and geopolitics. Aluminium leads gains among metals, while copper, zinc, and nickel show mild declines amid continued global volatility.

Capital market stocks: Time to change strategy? 10 stocks from different parts of the ecosystem

The capital market infrastructure sector has grown into a full-fledged, publicly-traded ecosystem. Today, investors can pick from exchanges, depositories, registrar and transfer agents, commodity platforms, and at least five asset management companies. All of them listed, all of them profitable, and all of them with the same structural tailwind: The financialisation of Indian household savings. But have we reached a stage where the strategy needs a re-look?

Plants built for imported coal being tested for local blends

The trials, covering 10 units with a combined capacity of about 18,000 MW, will determine the extent to which such plants can shift to domestic supplies, people familiar with the matter said. The exercise is evaluating operational feasibility, including the impact on efficiency, combustion and equipment performance.

Shelter from Spike 'n' Supply Storm: West Asia tensions test India Inc’s resilience to energy shocks

Escalating tensions in West Asia highlight India’s vulnerability to energy and logistics disruptions. Even without supply cuts, higher freight and insurance costs can strain margins and widen deficits. Strong balance sheets offer a cushion, but prolonged volatility could test corporate earnings, capital expenditure plans, and the broader credit cycle.

India's Russian oil imports more than triple to 5.3 billion euro in March

India’s crude oil imports from Russia surged in March, with purchases tripling to €5.3 billion as volumes doubled and prices rose, according to Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. The spike followed a US sanctions waiver, prompting state refiners to resume buying. Russia remained India’s top supplier, while China led overall purchases. Asian markets continued to dominate Russian oil exports.

Coal stock adequate for 90 days available: Union Coal Minister Kishan Reddy

India now holds over 200 million tonnes of coal, enough for 90 days, a significant increase from previous stock levels. The nation achieved one billion tonne coal production for the second consecutive year. The government is actively working to reduce import dependence and boost self-reliance in the minerals sector. Reforms and auctions are driving progress in this vital area.

Coal India absorbs cost surge to shield consumers

Coal India Limited is absorbing increased input costs to protect consumers from higher coal prices. Expenses for explosives and industrial diesel have risen sharply. The company is also compensating contractors for higher diesel expenses. India's coal imports have dropped due to high domestic stockpiles and firm seaborne prices. This trend is expected to continue.

Coal imports fall 8.5% in February amid high stockpiles, firm global prices

India's coal imports saw an 8.5 percent drop in February, reaching 16.55 million tonnes. This decline was driven by high domestic coal stockpiles and firm international prices. The trend is expected to continue as domestic miners work to reduce their inventories. Coal stocks at thermal power plants remain robust, ensuring uninterrupted power generation.

The right mix: Annuity income, domestic focus and fresh demand. 6 power sector stocks with upside potential of up to 40%

The failure of the US and Iran to arrive at an agreement to end the Gulf war will only rattle global markets further. But even in the midst of all the uncertainty and turbulence, there have been some sectors that have displayed resilience. Focused on domestic demand with annuity-like income streams from regulated tariffs, these sectors offer stability when global risks loom. One such sector has long suffered customer payment woes despite growing demand, but now stands to benefit from a new development that will push demand higher, but with deep-pocketed clients and assured payments.

India defers power plant maintenance to add 10 GW capacity for summer peak demand

India is boosting electricity supply for summer. Maintenance shutdowns at thermal power plants are postponed. This adds 10,000 MW of power. Imported coal plants are running at full capacity. Coal stocks are maintained. India's electricity system remains strong. Installed capacity exceeds 531 GW. Over 22,000 MW will be added in three months.

India aiming to cut steel emissions by 25%, double capacity, document shows

India is set to boost its steel production significantly by 2035-36. The new National Steel Policy 2025 targets a substantial reduction in carbon emissions from steel mills. This ambitious plan includes increasing steel capacity and exports. The policy also focuses on reducing reliance on coal and promoting cleaner steelmaking methods. This initiative is crucial for India's net-zero emissions goal.

Steel consumption grows 7-8 pc in FY26 on strong demand from infra, manufacturing sectors

India's finished steel consumption grew 7-8% to 164 million tonnes in FY26, driven by infrastructure and manufacturing. Crude steel output also rose over 10.7% to 168.4 million tonnes.

Fitch unit cuts India's economic growth targets amid Iran war

India's economic growth forecast is revised down from earlier estimates. This revision reflects a slowdown in economic activity and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Higher energy prices and supply chain disruptions are key concerns. However, supportive monetary policy and alternative energy sources offer some stability. The rupee's depreciation is expected to aid exporters.

It's the politics, stupid: Political, not economic, dynamics to derisk supply chains is what India needs

A new geopolitical schism emerges from the US-Israel war on Iran, impacting Asian economies' energy supplies. India, China, Japan, and South Korea face supply chain challenges. Diversification and derisking are crucial for these nations. India must align with Gulf countries' strategies and explore domestic coal gasification. Access to resources in crises will define future success.

Jindal Steel deploys syngas in furnaces to counter shortages of natural gas, LPG

Jindal Steel has successfully used syngas in its galvanizing and color coating furnaces. This move counters shortages of natural gas, LPG, and propane. It allows the company to maintain operations amid supply disruptions. Jindal Steel is a pioneer in using syngas for steelmaking. This innovation strengthens energy security and supports low-carbon steel production.

Amid West Asia crisis, CIL plans to offer 25.62 million tonnes of coal in April via auction

Coal India Limited is set to auction 25.62 million tonnes of coal this month. This move aims to address energy supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis. The company is using its Single Window Mode Agnostic auction system. Buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal can now participate directly. This initiative enhances transparency and market integration.

Unconventional ways during war and uncertain times: 4 stocks with dividend yield of up to 5.9%

A high dividend yield by itself is not a sign of safety. Sometimes, a stock yields more only because the price has collapsed for a valid reason. Sometimes, the market is signalling that the dividend is unsustainable. And sometimes a management that has cash to reward shareholders simply chooses not to do so. Dividend investing, therefore, is not about buying the highest yield on the screen. It is about judging the credibility of that yield. The first test is the company’s dividend record. Has it paid consistently across cycles? Has it treated dividend as a regular shareholder return tool, or as a sporadic gesture during good years?

LPG scarcity hits Rishikesh hospitality sector ahead of Char Dham Yatra; Hotels turning back to wood, coal, and charcoal to sustain daily operations

Ahead of the Char Dham Yatra, hotel owners and roadside dhaba operators in Rishikesh are struggling to maintain daily operations in light of the LPG crisis. As a result, they have shifted to alternative fuels like wood and coal to handle their daily operation, which present significant logistical challenges for the eatery outlets.

Informal sector steps up coal stocking over price concerns

Coal prices have risen internationally and percolated to the free market rates for coal clocking a premium of 10-15% over the usual rates during this time of the season, coal traders said. A news report from S&P Global Energy on March 23 said that the Platts CFR India 4,200 kcal/kg GAR rose from $67/mt on Feb 27 to $77.40/mt on March 20, supported by stronger buying interest in parts of Asia and firmer energy market sentiment.

Kishan Reddy urges private investment in coal gasification; outlines ₹8,500Cr Cabinet plan

Major Coal India arms report drop in production in FY26

Coal India subsidiaries BCCL, CCL, WCL, and MCL saw production drop in FY26. This occurred as India increased coal reliance due to global gas supply disruptions. SECL and NCL registered growth. Experts noted potential spoilage risks with aggressive targets. CIL met contractual coal supply commitments for power plants and industry. Adequate stocks are expected for peak summer demand.