Coal India Opens SWMA Coal Auctions To Neighbouring Nations
COAL & MINING

Coal India Opens SWMA Coal Auctions To Neighbouring Nations

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.

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.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code