Structure Steel Prices Firm as Pre-Bookings Surge Across India; Mills Hint at Hikes

Key Insights

• Primary Prices Stable but Tight: Chennai and Vizag mills are fully booked till mid-May, with strong demand from EPC and infra segments.
• Secondary Market Volumes Surge: Raipur and Gobindgarh yards are seeing active buying, especially in light and mid-sized sections.
• Pre-Booking Urged for Q2: EPCs are locking in orders early; delays may lead to unavailability or premium pricing.
• Raw Material Costs Rising: Imported coking coal and freight inflation may pressure mill margins and drive further price hikes.
• Best Deals in Central India: Raipur and Raigarh offer optimal pricing for mid-sized secondary structural steel orders.

Structure Price Update

• Primary Market (Base Prices for 100x50 Channel):
• Durgapur: Rs 54,200
• Chennai: Rs 58,400
• Vizag: Rs 57,800
• Mumbai: Rs 57,600
• Ghaziabad: Rs 56,700
• Secondary Market Prices (Base Prices for 100x50 Channel):
• Raipur: Rs 47,100
• Hyderabad: Rs 48,200
• Raigarh: Rs 47,700
• Chennai: Rs 49,200
• Mandi Gobindgarh: Rs 50,000
• Durgapur: Rs 47,700

Structure Demand & Supply

Primary Market

• Healthy order flows from infrastructure, metro rail, and industrial EPCs are keeping rolling mills on full schedules.
• Pre-booking windows for ISMBs and WPBs are tightening further, especially for sizes above 400mm. Chennai and Vizag mills report full capacity booking until mid-May.
• Procurement managers are advised to lock in Q2 requirements early, as market indicators point to further price strengthening if coking coal and sponge iron costs rise as projected.

Secondary Market

• Secondary structural yards are witnessing brisk activity amid sustained restocking. Demand remains firm in 100x50 channels, flats, and angles, especially in Central and Southern regions.
• Price parity between primary and secondary markets remains favourable in Raipur and Gobindgarh, pushing higher volumes from small and medium fabricators.
• Improved logistics in South India continue to support delivery consistency.

Structure Market News & Updates

• Major EPC players have started material planning and pre-booking of structural steel requirements, adding further upward pressure on availability.
• Meanwhile, integrated steel plants are ramping up May output by 10–12%, anticipating stronger demand momentum. Raw material price inflation, especially in imported coking coal, remains a key watchpoint for mill margins and upcoming price strategies.

Expert Opinion

Secondary Market

• Focus SKUs: Stay stocked on fast movers—channels (75x40, 100x50), flats, light angles.
• Buying Zones: Raipur and Raigarh still offer the best landed cost for mid-volume orders.
• Procurement Tip: Maintain lean inventory on heavy sections; prioritize rotation-friendly sizes.

Primary Market

• Book Ahead: With mill hikes confirmed, early booking is essential to ensure availability and avoid last-minute premiums.
• High-Traction Products: ISMB 400+, WPBs, and GP coils in demand—watch booking status daily.

Raw Material Watch

• Rising freight and coal costs could trigger a second round of price hikes by mid-May—plan accordingly.