Paving the way for setting up coal exchanges, the government said it has notified Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, which will enable transparent, market-driven price discovery and boost efficiency. “In a significant step towards modernising India’s coal supply chain, the government has paved the way for the establishment of coal exchanges in the country,” said the Coal Ministry.
The recently enacted Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025, introduced the concept of a mineral exchange and empowered the Central government to promote transparent and efficient trading of minerals, including coal and its processed forms, it added.
In pursuance of the above, the Coal Exchange Rules have been published by the Ministry of Coal in the Official Gazette on June 4. To facilitate this initiative, the Ministry of Coal designated the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) in December 2025 as the authority responsible for registering and regulating coal exchanges. Eligible entities will be authorised by the CCO to establish and operate coal exchanges, frame market rules and by-laws and facilitate coal trading. Registrations will be granted for 25 years.
Paradigm shift
The introduction of coal exchanges marks a paradigm shift in coal marketing by moving from the traditional one-to-many sales model to a competitive many-to-many trading platform. This will enable transparent and market-driven price discovery, improve efficiency and provide coal producers, including commercial and captive miners, with easier access to a wider pool of buyers. Public sector coal companies can also leverage the platform to enhance market participation.
The coal exchange initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing ease of doing business, promoting transparency, and building a modern, self-reliant energy ecosystem.
By creating a more competitive and efficient coal market, the reform is expected to strengthen energy security, support industrial growth and contribute significantly to the vision of Viksit Bharat through sustainable economic development and a future-ready energy sector.