Govt extends feedback window for coal trading exchange draft

23 Apr 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Coal has extended the deadline for public comments on the draft rules of the proposed Coal Trading Exchange (CTE) to 7 May 2025, giving stakeholders more time to weigh in on a key market reform aimed at overhauling how coal is bought and sold in India.

Originally set to close on 6 April, the feedback window was extended via an official notification published on the ministry’s website. The CTE is being positioned as a major shift from India’s existing coal sales model, transitioning from the current ‘one-to-many’ format—dominated by state-run players like Coal India Ltd—to a ‘many-to-many’ marketplace where both private and public sector players can buy and sell through a unified digital platform.

The proposed reform aims to boost price transparency, streamline coal transactions, and foster competition. The draft also suggests that the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) be designated as the exchange’s regulator, in line with global commodity trading norms.

At present, coal sales in India are primarily routed through government channels, with limited space for private commercial activity. The CTE is expected to open up a broader market for both commercial and captive coal producers, featuring multi-party bidding and an integrated clearing and settlement mechanism to minimise transactional risks.

The reform comes as India’s coal output is projected to cross 1.5 billion tonnes by 2030, creating a possible supply surplus and necessitating a more market-driven approach. The ministry has indicated that the exchange could go live sometime in 2025, with operational details under final review.

Officials say the CTE will play a pivotal role in improving market dynamics, increasing private participation, and aligning the sector with India’s broader energy security and resource efficiency goals.

Infrastructure Energy

19 Sep 2025

J&K CM Rules Out Power Privatisation, Focuses on Sector Reform

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has dismissed speculation regarding privatisation of electricity in the Union Territory, emphasising that his priority is to strengthen and reform the power sector.“We are not discussing privatisation. By reducing losses, improving billing efficiency, and enhancing revenue, there will be no need for it. My vision is to strengthen and reform the power sector in J&K,” Abdullah stated.He addressed the gathering at the 58th Engineers’ Day at SKICC on Monday evening, an event honouring Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya for his pioneering contri..

Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock to Get Tech-Driven Modernisation with Finland

The Maharashtra government, in collaboration with Finland, will modernise Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock using advanced technology, state minister Nitesh Rane announced on Wednesday.Rane met a delegation of Finnish officials and representatives of Finnish companies at the dock to discuss strategic plans for upgrading the facility in south Mumbai, according to an official statement.Built in the 19th century, Sassoon Dock is one of Mumbai’s oldest and busiest fishing harbours. Operations currently exceed its original capacity, raising concerns over hygiene, odour, fish handling standards, an..

Agarwal Industrial Wins Rs 3.3 Billion IOCL Bitumen Tender

Agarwal Industrial Corporation rose 3.84 per cent to Rs 945.65 after announcing it had secured a prestigious tender from Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) worth Rs 3.3 billion.In a regulatory filing during market hours, the company confirmed it had won the tender to supply Bulk Bitumen (VG-30 and VG-40 grades) to IOCL’s Kakinada locations.The firm quantity under the award totals around 60,500 tonnes across 11 parcels, while the optional quantity is approximately 33,000 tonnes across six parcels. This brings the total awarded quantity to roughly 93,500 tonnes. At current market prices, the firm o..