India: Vizag Steel receives active bids in met coke purchase tenders

• RINL awards 120,000 t BF coke tenders
  
  
• Tight bids indicate strong competition, stable market
  
  

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) under the Ministry of Steel has received active participation at its blast furnace (BF) coke procurement tenders totaling 120,000 t, comprising 30,000 t due on 27 April 2026 and 90,000 t issued on 20 April.

Both tenders were structured with stringent technical, commercial, and eligibility criteria to ensure consistent quality supply, with provisions for part-quantity bidding, multi-source allocation, and reverse auction-based price discovery. The procurement strategy reflects RINL's focus on securing reliable coke supplies through a transparent and competitive bidding mechanism aligned with government procurement norms.

Jindal SAW tops 90,000 t BF coke tender amid tight competition

In the 90,000 t tender, which followed a two-packet system and reverse auction, Jindal SAW Limited emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) with a quoted average value of around INR 38,600/t exw, closely followed by Aqua Terra Coke & Energy Limited and Suvidhi Energy India Pvt Ltd.

The tight price spread among the top bidders indicates intense competition and efficient price discovery, supported by stable domestic coke market conditions. The tender mandated supply through railway rakes to Visakhapatnam within a defined delivery period, with strict adherence to specifications such as minimum CSR 64, controlled ash and moisture levels, and NABL-certified quality validation.

Tirupati traders tops 30,000 t BF coke tender

Similarly, the earlier 30,000 t tender witnessed competitive participation, with Tirupati Traders securing the L1 position at INR 36,600/t exw, followed by Kalyaneswari Properties Pvt Ltd (MII)nd Refex Industries Limited.

Other bidders included Nilachal Carbo Metalicks Limited, Jindal SAW Limited, and Aqua Terra Coke & Energy Limited, who quoted comparatively higher prices. Nilachal Carbo Metalicks Limited stood, followed by Jindal SAW Limited and Aqua Terra Coke & Energy Limited, placing them outside the most competitive bidding range.

Procurement structure & terms

As per tender terms, RINL retains the flexibility to distribute quantities among multiple suppliers in a 60:25:15 ratio, subject to L1 price matching, ensuring supply diversification while maintaining cost efficiency. The tender also featured detailed delivery schedules, rigorous sampling and third-party inspection protocols.