India: Portside South African thermal coal prices surge on firm export offers, freight spike

South African thermal coal prices at Indian ports jumped sharply w-o-w. Exw-Paradip 5,500 NAR rose by INR 800/t to INR 11,300/t, while 4,800 NAR surged by INR 900/t to INR 10,000/t, driven by firm export offers and higher freights amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Rising sponge iron prices across India lent support; however, buyers have yet to accept the steep hike, though cargo availability remains constrained.