Coal India Opens SWMA Coal Auctions To Neighbouring Nations

06 Jan 2026 CW Team

Coal India Limited has, for the first time, allowed buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal to participate directly in its coal auctions, effective January 1, 2026. Under this move, overseas consumers seeking to import coal from India will be permitted to bid in the company’s Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) e-auctions, marking a significant shift in its cross-border sales framework.

The decision follows approval by Coal India’s board, which amended the SWMA auction mechanism to enable foreign buyers to participate alongside domestic consumers. Previously, access to Coal India’s coal for overseas users was routed through Indian coal traders, who could purchase and resell coal without end-use restrictions. The revised framework removes this intermediary layer, allowing direct engagement by foreign buyers.

A senior company official said opening SWMA e-auctions to overseas participants reflects Coal India’s calibrated approach to expanding market reach while safeguarding domestic coal requirements. The move is expected to enhance transparency, competition and integration with regional markets. Key provisions for foreign buyers include one-time registration, digital bidding, advance electronic payments and exports through notified logistics channels.

Coal India said the payment mechanism will be fully transparent and compliant with foreign exchange regulations. Buyers from Nepal will be allowed to make payments in Indian rupees as well as US dollars, while buyers from Bangladesh and Bhutan will be required to pay in US dollars, with valuation carried out in Indian rupees. The company added that it had held consultations with prospective overseas consumers earlier to assess demand and finalise enabling provisions.

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jan 2026

Rosatom Delivers Nuclear Fuel for Kudankulam Unit 3

Rosatom has recently supplied nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor core at Unit 3 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking a key milestone in the second stage of the Russian-designed nuclear power project in southern India.The fuel was supplied by Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division, managed by TVEL, and manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. The delivery includes the initial reactor load along with reserve fuel assemblies and is part of a long-term contract covering the entire operational life of Units 3 and 4.Building on operational experien..

CBL International Enables First LNG Bunkering at Xiaomo Port

CBL International recently completed the first-ever LNG bunkering operation at Xiaomo Port, supplying liquefied natural gas to vessels operated by BYD in support of its maritime decarbonisation strategy. The operation was facilitated through a physical supplier in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which supported the port’s inaugural LNG bunkering activity. The milestone represents a strategic expansion of CBL International's sustainable fuel offerings beyond biofuels, while also diversifying revenue streams. As global shipping intensifies efforts to cut em..

Aimtron, Aurassure Partner for IoT Weather Systems

Aimtron Electronics has recently entered into an OEM manufacturing engagement with Aurassure to produce new-age, IoT-enabled weather and environmental monitoring systems in India. The collaboration supports the growing demand for real-time environmental intelligence across urban, industrial and infrastructure applications. The engagement comes as global focus on climate-risk management and data-driven planning accelerates. The global weather monitoring systems market, valued at around USD 2.1 billion in 2024, is projected to reach nearly USD 4.8 billion by 2034, driven by the rapid adoption o..