Shipment disruptions linked to tensions and uncertainty in global trade routes have led to a surge in coking coal prices, adding to the input costs for steel producers. Notably, India’s imports of coking coal have been steadily rising, increasing from 51.20 million tonnes (mt) in 2020–21 to 57.58 mt in 2024–25. Around 95% of the steel sector’s coking coal requirement is met through imports, making the industry highly exposed to global supply disruptions. A steel industry insider said prices of seaborne coking coal have risen by around 10% in some cases, largely due to delays in shipments. “A majority of our coking coal comes from Africa, and these shipments typically pass through the Gulf.

Source: Indian Express March 11, 2026 09:00 UTC