New Delhi: State-owned coal mining giant Coal India Limited (CIL) has announced a series of measures aimed at enhancing coal availability for non-regulated sector (NRS) consumers, reducing import dependence, and providing greater operational flexibility to industry participants.
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In an official statement issued on Friday, the Maharatna coal PSU said it is offering an all-time high of 35 million tonnes (MT) of coal under the linkage auction route for the sponge iron sector, with the auction scheduled for June 12. The move is expected to reduce imports of high gross calorific value (GCV) coal, which is widely consumed by sponge iron manufacturers.
As part of its efforts to support industry requirements, CIL has also allowed steel producers in the coking coal sub-sector to sell coal middlings in the open market. Middlings, a power-grade coal by-product generated during the washing of raw coking coal, are often used by steel plants in captive power generation. The new provision enables companies to monetize surplus quantities that remain unused.
The relaxation has been introduced under the ongoing Tranche-X linkage auctions, which commenced on June 3, 2026.
CIL said it has offered 13.75 MT of coal to the steel (coking) sub-sector in the current tranche. The company has also increased flexibility for consortium participants by allowing them to change consortium partners up to five times during the linkage period, compared to the earlier limit of two changes.
In another industry-friendly initiative, CIL has permitted greenfield and brownfield projects in the non-regulated sector to secure coal linkages even before commissioning. Such projects can begin sourcing coal within three years of obtaining linkage allocations, a move expected to strengthen their ability to secure financing by ensuring fuel availability commitments.
The company noted that it continues to meet the requirements of the power sector through various auction windows. Between January and May of the current financial year, CIL offered 57.8 MT of coal under Window-II for short-term requirements, while 69.2 MT was offered under Window-I for medium- and long-term supplies.
Addressing concerns over coal inventories at thermal power stations, CIL said a marginal decline in stock levels during peak summer months is a normal occurrence and should not be viewed as a cause for concern. The company emphasized that sustained coal production is ensuring regular replenishment of stocks at power plants.
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To further augment supplies, CIL will conduct the next round of short-term coal auctions under the SHAKTI policy for power sector consumers on June 8, where around 34 MT of coal will be put on offer.
The company said these initiatives are aligned with its broader objective of ensuring greater coal availability for both the power sector and non-regulated industries, while supporting the government's efforts to reduce coal imports and strengthen domestic energy security.
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