India’s Coal Backbone Holds Firm

28 Mar 2026 CW Team

India’s energy ecosystem is showing early signs of stress amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, impacting global energy supply chains, particularly through critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. Addressing Parliament recently, Narendra Modi termed the situation concerning while assuring proactive measures to safeguard energy security.

Industrial clusters are witnessing localised disruptions in CNG and LPG supply, prompting businesses to shift towards alternative fuels such as coal. With India importing nearly half of its natural gas requirements as LNG, industries remain highly exposed to global supply uncertainties. In contrast, the power sector continues to remain stable due to its strong dependence on coal and renewables.

Coal demand has risen steadily, crossing 1.25 billion tonnes annually, driven by sectors such as power, cement and sponge iron. Recent trends indicate tightening demand, with Coal India’s e-auction premiums reaching around 35 per cent above notified prices, reflecting increased urgency among buyers.

While substitution remains limited in sectors like fertilisers and chemicals, coal has emerged as a critical fallback option in the short to medium term. Despite firming demand, the market remains balanced, supported by adequate domestic availability and healthy stock levels of 18–20 days at power plants.

According to Vinaya Varma, the current scenario reflects a behavioural shift in fuel consumption, with coal playing a key role in maintaining operational continuity during global uncertainty. Overall, while no immediate energy crisis is evident, evolving disruptions are beginning to test India’s energy resilience."

Resources

13 May 2026

Anant Raj Appoints Anish Sarin as Director

Anant Raj has appointed Anish Sarin as Director on its Board, marking a key step in the company’s leadership transition and long-term growth strategy. The announcement was made during the company’s Q4 and FY26 results declaration, reflecting the induction of next-generation leadership as the company expands across real estate, cloud infrastructure and data centre businesses. Anish Sarin, grandson of veteran industrialist Ashok Sarin, represents the emerging leadership at Anant Raj. Educated at Regent’s University London, he brings a global business outlook along with a strong focus on t..

Vedanta eyes AI-led value growth

Vedanta Group expects to unlock USD 300–400 million in additional value over the next three years through large-scale deployment of AI-led industrial technologies across its businesses. The group said its V-Spark DeepTech Ventures platform has already delivered nearly four times return on investment since inception.Vedanta is scaling AI, predictive analytics, Industrial Internet of Things, digital twins, machine learning, automation and connected manufacturing technologies across its metals, mining, energy and industrial operations. These deployments are aimed at improving productivity, lowe..

Hindustan Zinc inks pact with Group Nirmal

Hindustan Zinc has signed an MoU with Group Nirmal to set up a zinc wire manufacturing facility at its Zinc Industrial Park in Khankhala, Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. The partnership will expand downstream manufacturing activity and support value-added zinc applications in India.Under the agreement, Group Nirmal will manufacture zinc wire products using Hindustan Zinc’s Special High Grade zinc. The products will cater to infrastructure, renewable energy, automotive and industrial engineering sectors.Zinc wire is used in thermal spray coating and metallising processes to protect steel struct..