Petcoke ban, an opportunity for Coal India

Concerns for cement makers may ease if they can sustain price hikes

While a ban on petcoke and furnace oil to power up industries in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana is a concern for cement manufacturers, it is a blessing in disguise for Coal India, the country’s largest coal producer.

It comes at a time fuel costs are on the rise, and will see a further increase with petcoke being banned. Since coal linkages are not easily available, among the few options for companies will be to source coal from e-auctions. Linkage coal is cheaper than the one sourced from e-auctions, while they are not as cost-efficient as petcoke.

The landed cost of imported