The Indian government has extended import restrictions on low-ash metallurgical (met) coke for another six months, from July to December 2025, according to a recent directive issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The move maintains country-specific quotas and caps total imports at 1.4 million metric tonnes.
Met coke, a crucial raw material in the production of steel via the blast furnace route, is primarily used for its low ash content and high carbon efficiency. India relies heavily on imports of this input due to limited domestic availability of high-quality coking coal. The extended curbs are designed to promote domestic production and reduce dependence on overseas sources-particularly in light of global supply chain disruptions and volatile pricing trends.
However, the decision has triggered fresh concerns among major steelmakers, who argue that the supply cap could lead to raw material shortages, especially for companies operating blast furnaces at full capacity. Industry bodies are urging the government to reconsider the quantitative restrictions or provide flexibility in sourcing, particularly from countries like Australia, Russia, and Colombia, which have been key suppliers.
“The cap of 1.4 million tonnes may fall short of actual industry requirements if demand continues to grow in the infrastructure and automotive sectors,” said a senior official from a leading steel company, speaking on condition of anonymity. Companies fear that constrained imports could push up input costs, affect production timelines, and eventually hurt margins.
This development comes at a time when India’s steel demand is projected to grow significantly, driven by ambitious infrastructure investments and the ongoing push for self-reliance in core sectors.
