Coal India (CIL) will put on offer 2.15 million tpa of coal linkages for the cement sector from 28 June, 2016.

The company began the process of electronic auction of the coal linkages or fuel supply agreements with the sponge iron sector eligible in the bidding held between 10 June, 2016 and 16 June, 2016. 3.78 million tpa were on offer but bids were made for a much lower amount. In the first four days, out of 2.92 million tpa that were on offer, only 1.64 million tpa were sold.

Auctions for the cement sector were originally supposed to begin on 23 June, 2016. However, more time has been given to allow more bidders to participate.

For the current series of auctions for various sectors, a total of 23.75 million tonne per annum of linkages are to be put on the block. After the cement sector, coal linkages will be offered to captive power plants.

This is the first time coal linkages are being e-auctioned.