Aluminium Associations had sought removal of coal cess in Budget

17 Feb 2022 CW Team

The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) sought to eliminate coal cess in the upcoming Budget. It further said that a steep rise in coal had affected the sustainability of the industry.

The Ministry of Finance, Nirmala Sitharaman, will present the Union Budget for 2022-23 on 1 February.

AAI told the media that it is a highly intensive industry where coal contributes to 40% of the aluminium production cost.

It added that the Indian aluminium industry requests support in the upcoming Budget 2022-23. High cess on coal about Rs 400 per million tonnes (mt) to be eliminated to support power-intensive industries and retain competitiveness of the domestic industry.

The centre has created the National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) with contributions from clean energy cess imposed on coal mined in India or imported overseas. Earlier, the cess was Rs 50 per tonne and raised to Rs 400 per tonne in 2016.

India's aluminium production cost has increased due to increased power cost in the last few years, with the increasing prices of coal, cess and logistic costs, and many more.

The industrial power cost in India is very high besides having the fifth-largest coal reserves.

AAI said major coal-producing countries are extending their support to reduce power and production costs and rendering competitiveness to the domestic aluminium industry.

The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog highlighted the challenges of high power costs for Indian aluminium producers resulting in a competitive disadvantage in global players.

Image Source

Also read: Aluminium industry demands reduction in custom duty on raw

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..