India: ECL allocations rise on 7 Feb; grade mix shifts

• Total volumes rose to 93,450 t
  
  
• G11 and G9 expanded grade mix
  
  

Eastern Coalfields Limited conducted auctions on 29 January and 7 February 2026, with total bid quantities rising to 93,450 t on 7 February from 65,800 t on 29 January, indicating higher participation.

Volume and grade trend

On 29 January, G4 dominated volumes at 53,050 t, largely from Sonepur Bazari at 25,000 t at INR 4,651/t and Khottadih at 12,150 t at INR 4,553/t. G3 cleared 6,500 t at INR 8,123/t from Jambad, while smaller quantities of G5 and G6 were allocated at INR 4,084/t and INR 3,024/t respectively.

On 7 February, volumes broadened across grades. G11 from Rajmahal accounted for 18,300 t at INR 2,151/t, while G4 aggregated 35,150 t across multiple mines, including New Kenda at INR 4,439/t and Kumardihi B at INR 4,747/t. G3 volumes increased to 10,000 t at INR 6,261/t from Chitra. G5 totalled 13,000 t, with North Searsole clearing at INR 5,196/t. G9 also emerged at 10,850 t at INR 1,772/t.

Buyer participation

On 29 January, Shakambhari Ispat lifted 6,350 t at INR 4,597/t, while Khatu Shyam Steels secured 6,000 t at INR 4,537/t. Mark Trading and Ranisati Coal Carriers were active in G3 and G4, with G3 bids above INR 8,100/t.

On 7 February, participation widened. S. S. Enterprises led with 4,500 t at INR 4,842/t. Khatu Shyam Steels procured 4,100 t across G4 and G5 at an average INR 5,611/t. Janakpur Tradelink secured 2,600 t of G4 at INR 6,377/t, while Kariwala Sales lifted G3 at INR 6,218/t.

Comparison

Compared with 29 January, total allocations increased by 27,650 t on 7 February. While premium G3 prices moderated from above INR 8,100/t to INR 6,261/t, the inclusion of larger G11 and G9 volumes at lower price levels pulled down the overall average.

Market outlook

The latest auction reflected stronger participation and broader grade demand. Higher volumes alongside a softer average price indicate balanced procurement across mid- and lower-CV grades. Future price direction will depend on grade availability and buyer appetite for higher-CV coal.