The National Coal Index (NCI Provisional) has shown a decline of 3.48 percent in June 2024 at 142.13 points compared to June 2023, where it was at 147.25 points. This indicates sufficient availability of coal in the market to meet the growing demands.

The impressive growth of 14.58 percent in the country’s coal production during June 2024 as compared to the corresponding period of last year ensures a stable supply to various sectors reliant on coal, significantly contributing to the overall energy security of the nation. The downward trajectory of the NCI signifies a more equitable market, harmonising supply and demand dynamics.

The Financial Year 2017-18 being determined to be the base year, NCI serves as a reliable indicator of market dynamics, providing valuable insights into price fluctuations.

NCI is a price index that combines coal prices from all sales channels, such as notified prices, auction prices, and import prices. It considers prices of coking and non-coking coal of various grades transacted in the regulated (power and fertiliser) and non-regulated sectors.