Mumbai, Aug. 6 -- India's primary steel producers are expected to maintain stable operating profitability this fiscal despite rising input costs, supported by higher domestic steel prices, safeguard duty protection and healthy demand growth, according to a Crisil Ratings report.

The report projected operating profitability, measured as EBITDA per tonne, at Rs 10,500-11,000 per tonne in the current fiscal, broadly in line with the decadal average, even as production costs are expected to rise by around Rs 2,000 per tonne to Rs 53,000-54,000 per tonne.

According to the report, higher global steel prices, the continued impact of the 11.5 per cent safeguard duty imposed last year and healthy domestic demand are expected to support a 6-8 per...