National Coal Index declines to 3.48 per cent in June 2024

The impressive growth of 14.58 per cent in the country’s coal production during Jun’24 compared to the corresponding period of last year ensures a stable supply to various sectors reliant on coal, significantly contributing to the overall energy security of the nation.

The National Coal Index (Provisional) has shown a significant reduction of 3.48 per cent in June 2024 at 142.13 points compared to June 2023, where it was at 147.25 points. This substantial decrease indicates sufficient availability of coal in the market to meet the growing demands.

The National Coal Index (NCI) is a price index that combines coal prices from all sales channels, viz—notified Prices, Auction Prices, and Import Prices. It considers prices of coking and non-coking coal of various grades transacted in the regulated (power and fertiliser) and non-regulated sectors. Established with the base year as FY 2017-18, NCI is a reliable indicator of market dynamics, providing valuable insights into price fluctuations.

Additionally, the premium on coal auctions indicates the pulse of the industry, and the sharp decline in coal auction premiums confirms sufficient coal availability in the market. The impressive growth of 14.58 per cent in the country’s coal production during Jun’24 compared to the corresponding period of last year ensures a stable supply to various sectors reliant on coal, significantly contributing to the overall energy security of the nation.

The downward trajectory of the NCI signifies a more equitable market, harmonising supply and demand dynamics. With sufficient coal availability, the nation can address burgeoning demands and underpin its long-term energy requisites, thereby fortifying a more resilient and sustainable coal industry and fostering a prosperous future for the nation.