Coal India shares rally 7% to hit fresh 52-week high on permitting direct foreign participation in coal e-auctions

Coal India Limited (CIL) shares surged 6.6% on Friday to hit a new 52-week high of Rs 426.95 on the BSE following the company’s announcement to allow direct participation of foreign coal consumers in its e-auction system.

The stock gained momentum after the public sector miner released a press note stating that, effective 1 January 2026, coal consumers from neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal will be permitted to directly participate in its Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) auctions.

“In a first, effective 1 January 2026, Coal India Limited (CIL) has permitted coal consumers located in the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, who wish to import coal from India, to directly participate in the Single Window Mode Agnostic (SWMA) auctions conducted by the company,” the PSU’s stock exchange filing stated.

Previously, foreign buyers had to rely on domestic coal traders for access to Indian coal, with no direct end-use engagement. The revised framework now enables them to register once and participate directly through digital bidding.

Payment methods have also been outlined in accordance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) rules. Buyers from Nepal will be able to pay in Indian Rupees or US Dollars, while buyers from Bangladesh and Bhutan will transact in US Dollars only.

“Opening SWMA e-auctions to foreign buyers reflects CIL’s calibrated approach to market expansion while fully safeguarding domestic coal requirements. This step enhances transparency, competition and global market integration,” said a senior company official.The board has already approved this policy change after conducting deliberations with prospective buyers to understand their needs and demand structure. The move is also expected to support efficiency through digital bidding, advance payments, and export via notified logistics channels.According to the official press communication, the company has revised all operational and procedural modalities under the updated scheme to ensure smooth implementation.

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