India: Alang’s ship-breaking scrap prices rise amid reports of power curbs

• • Punjab mills informed of possible power cuts once or twice a week

• • Semis, finished steel prices inch up, supporting scrap prices

Ship-breaking melting scrap prices in Alang strengthened on 30 June 2026, with HMS (80:20) assessed at INR 34,200/t ex-yard, up INR 200/t d-o-d. The increase was supported by improved market sentiment, as reports of power restrictions to mills in Punjab raised prices of finished steel products, encouraging scrap suppliers to lift offers despite only moderate downstream demand.

In Bhavnagar, billet prices increased by INR 100/t d-o-d to INR 42,000/t DAP, while rebar prices also edged up by INR 100/t to INR 46,100/t ex-works. Although finished steel prices strengthened modestly, procurement activity remained largely need-based, reflecting cautious buying from mills and traders.

In northern India, market sentiment improved in Mandi Gobindgarh following reports of possible power cuts. According to sources, the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) has intimated all mills that a power cut will happen once a week or twice a week.

In Mandi, Billet prices increased by INR 300/t to INR 43,200/t DAP, while rebar prices rose by INR 600/t to INR 48,000/t ex-works. HMS scrap prices in the region also advanced by INR 300/t to INR 35,400/t DAP, supported by balanced supply conditions and slightly stronger buying inquiries.

Market participants noted that trading activity improved after reports related to limited power supply; however, demand for semi-finished and finished steel remained moderate. Mills continued to purchase primarily to meet immediate production requirements, as uncertainty persists over the extent to which the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd. (PSPCL) will reduce power restrictions. This lack of clarity has limited confidence regarding production schedules and raw material procurement.

Ship auction update:

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has announced the auction of the offshore drilling rig Sagar Vijay. The vessel is currently located at Dighi Port, Maharashtra, and is being offered for sale by ONGC as part of its asset disposal programme.

Alang ship arrivals, beaching activity in Jun’26:

Alang received seven vessels in June 2026, with four beached during the month and three awaiting recycling, indicating a healthy inflow of recyclable tonnage despite staggered beaching activity. The arrivals were dominated by container vessels and tankers, alongside an LNG carrier, reflecting a balanced mix of vessel segments entering the recycling market. Most vessels originated from Japan and South Korea and were built between 1979 and 2009. The steady arrival pattern is expected to support raw material availability for ship recyclers in the coming weeks, subject to beaching schedules and cutting activity.

Outlook:

Alang ship-breaking scrap prices are expected to remain firm over the next few trading sessions, supported by reduced production and positive market sentiment. However, the pace of further gains will depend on sustained improvement in finished steel demand and greater clarity on power supply conditions in Punjab, which will influence mill operating rates and scrap procurement.