Import barriers on metallurgical coke raising cost of making steel
The import barriers created by the government to restrict the access to Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke), a non-substitutable input that accounts for 35–40 per cent of the cost of producing steel, is leading to elevated costs for the producers, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said. “India’s steel expansion is being undermined by a policy contradiction at its core. While the government protects domestic steelmakers through high safeguard and anti-dumping duties and QCOs on finished steel imports, it simultaneously restricts access to LAM Coke,” the think tank said.

Dutch NGO sues Tata Steel, seeks €1.4 billion in damages
New Indian Express
https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2025/Dec/26/tata-steel-hit-by-14-billion-class-action-lawsuit-in-the-netherlands-for-environmental-damages

Import curbs on Low Ash Metallurgical coke raise steel prices in India: GTRI
 

Jindal Steel’s capacity push is in place. Volume growth needs to follow now
The Jindal Steel Ltd stock is up a modest 6% over the past year, meaningfully underperforming the broader markets. The company is in a transition phase where near-term earnings pressure is colliding with a capacity expansion that is yet to fully yield results.

Hindustan Copper jumps 8% as copper prices hit record highs — What next for investors?
The share price of Hindustan Copper continued its strong upward run on Friday, rising nearly 8% intra-day. The stock has emerged as one of the top performers in the metal space, with momentum driven by firm global copper prices and sustained investor buying. Over the past five trading sessions, the shares have gained more than 22%, while the one-month return is nearly 43%.

Copper may test USD 13,500/ton by first half of 2026 amid supply constraints: experts
New Delhi: Copper prices are expected to extend their bull run into the first half of 2026, supported by persistent global supply constraints, limited new mine capacity, and a recovery in demand across key consuming sectors, analysts and industry participants said.

Silver soars Rs 9,350 to record Rs 2.36L; up 15.8% in 4 sessions

Over the past the four sessions, silver prices have added Rs 32,250, or 15.8 per cent, from Rs 2,04,100 per kg since December 19. During the calendar year, the white metal had risen Rs 1,46,650, or 163.5 per cent, from Rs 89,700 per kg recorded on December 31, 2024.

Gold firm above Rs 14,000/grm, Silver near record Rs 2.30 lakh/kg at midday Friday
 

India expands natural gas grid pipeline to over 25,000 Kms, working on another 10,459 Kms
New Delhi: The length of India's operational natural gas pipelines reached 25,429 km as the country moves toward a fully connected national gas grid. This expansion is part of a larger plan to ensure energy security and provide cleaner fuel across all regions.

Ethanol industry faces surplus as demand stalls, exports uncompetitive: GEMA President
New Delhi: Exports are unlikely to provide a solution for surplus ethanol in India, according to CK Jain, President of the Grain Ethanol Manufacturers Association (GEMA), who said domestic consumption has stagnated despite a sharp rise in production capacity.

Petroleum products exports down 8% to $26.6 billion in April-November
India’s exports of petroleum products fell 7.9% year-on-year to $26.6 billion during April-November of FY26, down from $28.9 billion in the same period last year, according to data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC). In volume terms, however, exports remained largely unchanged at 42.3 million tonnes during the period.

The great oil swap: Why India sourced 83% more US crude as Russian imports hit a 4-year low
As we get set to welcome the new year in just a week’s time, the India-Russia trade dynamics is seeing a slow rewiring. While November surged 4% in November, hitting five-month high, A Rubix report on Russia noted that India’s Crude oil imports from Russia is expected to face a sharp drop from December 2025. 

Castrol India: Well oiled to grow, but valuations may limit sharp upside
 

Thermal power plants’ FY25 biomass shortfall due to supply challenges
 

Vikran Engineering secures ₹459 crore solar EPC contract from NTPC
Mumbai: Vikran Engineering Ltd has won a ₹459.20 crore contract from NTPC Renewable Energy Limited to execute a 400 MW AC solar power project at Chitrakoot-1 in Uttar Pradesh, the company announced through stock exchange filing. The contract involves the Balance of System package for the grid-connected solar project, with a completion timeline of 12 months. The scope includes inland transportation, insurance, installation, testing, commissioning, and guarantee tests to ensure full operational readiness.

GIPC commissions final phase of 600 MW solar project at Khavda in Gujarat
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Industries Power Company Ltd has commissioned the fifth and final phase of a solar power project at Khavda in Gujarat, taking the total commissioned capacity to 600 MW.

Adani Energy Solutions doubles project pipeline, expands green transmission & smart metering infra
 

Markets end lower: Nifty below 26,100, Sensex down 300 points; IT drag – Key highlights
Indian equity markets closed lower today, December 26. The Sensex ended the session at 85,081.12, down 0.38%, while the Nifty closed at 26,042.30, slipping 0.38%. The Nifty Bank index also settled lower at 59,011, down 0.29%. . Large‑cap stocks underperformed mid and smallcap counterparts, though selective strength persisted in metals and consumer durable stocks, while IT, autos, and banks witnessed sustained selling pressure.