State-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) on Friday announced that buyers from neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal can now directly participate in its online coal auctions, eliminating the need for Indian intermediaries. The initiative is aimed at better utilisation of surplus coal resources while enhancing transparency in cross-border coal trade. “Opening SWMA e-auctions to foreign buyers reflects CIL’s calibrated approach to market expansion while fully safeguarding domestic coal requirements. Under the revised framework, foreign buyers will be able to participate in SWMA auctions alongside domestic buyers. The updated scheme incorporates all operational and procedural modalities, including provisions for one-time registration, digital bidding, advance electronic payments and exports through notified logistics channels for foreign buyers.

Source: The Telegraph January 02, 2026 11:44 UTC