India: NMDC increases iron ore prices from Chhattisgarh by INR 200-250/t ($2-3/t) for May'26
...
- Prices of all grades increased for May'26 delivery
- Indian steel prices rise m-o-m in Apr'26, led by stronger gains in flat steel
India's largest merchant iron ore mining company, NMDC, announced its list prices of iron ore CLO (calibrated lump ore) and fines on 6 May 2026, BigMint learnt from sources. The miner has fixed prices of DR CLO (10-40 mm, Fe 67%) at INR 6,150/tonne (t) ($65/t) and of iron ore fines (-10 mm, Fe 64%) at INR 4,700/t ($49.5/t). Prices are on FOR basis from the miner's Bacheli complex and exclude royalty, DMF, and NMEDT. Prices of all grades increased in the range of INR 200-250/t.
Market overview
- Indian steel prices rise m-o-m in Apr'26 - Indian steel prices increased m-o-m in April 2026, with gains observed across both long and flat steel segments, led by stronger increases in flat steel.HRC prices rose 4% m-o-m to INR 59,060/t, marking the strongest increase among finished steel products. The sharper increase reflects mill-side price hikes implemented in early April and tighter availability due to maintenance-related disruptions. In addition, disruptions across key maritime routes, higher freight costs, and subdued export competitiveness have supported domestic pricing by limiting import pressure.
- Sponge iron prices increase m-o-m in Apr - Sponge iron prices increased 2% m-o-m to INR 28,460/t, although the index declined marginally by 1%, reflecting mixed movement amid softer coal prices.
- Global iron ore prices stable: Iron ore fines (Fe 61%, Australia origin) prices remained largely stable m-o-m at $107/dmt CFR China in April. At the end of the month, prices eased as earlier supply concerns over restricted portside cargoes subsided, allowing mills to resume trading and procurement of these cargoes upon meeting specified requirements. Port-stock prices also declined, amid expectations that previously restricted volumes would gradually re-enter the market and lift spot availability
- Bids fall in OMC's April iron ore fines auction: In OMC's iron ore fines auction for 1.972 mnt (Fe 51-62%) on 18 April, 1.575 mnt (79%) was booked at INR 3,750-5,700/t. Some lots received premiums of INR 50-600/t over base prices, with INR 175/t being the average premium. However, weighted average bids dropped by INR 300/t m-o-m. Base prices of fines increased by INR 250-300/t m-o-m for a few lots in the auction.
