New Delhi, Dec. 26 -- Restrictions on imports of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke), a key input accounting for 35-40 per cent of steel production costs, are pushing up steel prices in India, according to a report released on Friday by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

The report noted that India's reliance on imported LAM Coke is structural, as most domestically available coal contains 14-15 per cent ash and is unsuitable for efficient blast furnace steelmaking.

Policy Mismatch Raises Costs

"While the government protects domestic steelmakers through high safeguard and anti-dumping duties and Quality Control Orders on finished steel imports, it simultaneously restricts access to Low Ash Metallurgical Coke (LAM Coke), a no...